By Jones Anlimah
82-year-old Opanyin Abraham Kwaku Adusei from the Eastern Region has been crowned National Best Farmer for the year 2025 at the 41st Famers Day grand durbar to recognize farmers’ contribution towards national food security. Speaking at the event President John Dramani Mahama called for greater investment in science-based and year-round agriculture to ensure national food security.
The 41st National Farmers Day was held under the theme “Eat Ghana, Grow Ghana, and Secure the Future.” President Mahama said government is committed to modernising agriculture through irrigation, mechanisation, and research-led innovation.
He announced the introduction of solar-powered irrigation pumps nationwide to support farmers across the country, enabling them to cultivate multiple times a year and increase productivity.
“You don’t need to plant forty acres to feed Ghana. With ten acres and continuous planting, you can produce as much as before,” President Mahama said.
He also reiterated his directive that all rice, maize and poultry used in the School Feeding Programme must be sourced locally, stressing that the nation must “eat what it grows.”
President Mahama lauded Ghanaian scientists for developing improved cowpea varieties and storage technologies and revealed that all schools will soon cultivate food as part of a new National School Agriculture Programme.
Volta Regional Minister Welcomes Farmers and Investors
The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, expressed profound gratitude to President Mahama for bringing this year’s celebration to the Volta Region which he described as “Oxygen City” and “Ghana’s next agro-industrial powerhouse.”
He said the region’s fertile lands, abundant water resources, strategic location, and improved infrastructure make it ideal for agricultural and agribusiness investments.
“The Volta Region is open for business,” he declared, inviting local and international investors to explore opportunities in commercial farming, food processing, aquaculture, irrigation, logistics, and agro-exports.
Hon. Gunu commended President Mahama’s leadership for revitalising agriculture through initiatives such as the Big Push Project, irrigation expansion, youth agripreneurship, and market modernisation, saying these interventions have restored confidence among farmers and investors alike.
Fisheries Minister Lauds Fishers and Aquaculture Sector
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Madam Emelia Arthur, saluted the dedication of Ghana’s fishers and aquaculture operators, describing them as the “backbone of Ghana’s food security and rural economy.”
“We salute their commitment to nourishing Ghana and sustaining our local economies,” she said.
Madam Arthur expressed gratitude to President Mahama and the government for their continued support in modernising the fisheries sector. She highlighted several major achievements, including the passage of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), which extends the inshore exclusion zone to better protect artisanal fishers and marine ecosystems.
She also announced the development of Ghana’s first Blue Economy Strategy, providing a roadmap for sustainably harnessing marine, coastal, and inland water resources for national development.
“This year, we also held the first-ever National Chief Fishermen and Queen Fishmongers Conference, giving due recognition to traditional leaders and the vast resources of our inland waters such as the Volta Lake,” she added.
The minister further outlined efforts to expand aquaculture production, improve post-harvest handling and value addition, strengthen surveillance, and invest in community capacity. She pledged improved services for fishers and aquaculture producers next year.
Madam Arthur extended appreciation to corporate sponsors including the Agricultural Development Bank, Japan Motors, CCT Group Limited, Bacon Hill Industries, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Petrosol, and Raanan Fish Feed West Africa for their continued support.
Agric Minister Commends Farmers’ Innovation
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, commended Ghanaian farmers and fishers for their hard work, innovation, and resilience.
“Every cedi invested in agriculture yields exponential returns in food security, jobs, and industrial expansion,” he noted.
Mr. Opoku outlined several initiatives undertaken under the Feed Ghana Programme, including irrigation expansion, mechanisation support, and livestock improvement projects. He also highlighted a successful collaboration with private partners that enabled this year’s National Agricultural Fair to be held at no cost to the state.
The Minister further praised the new Innovation, Research and Development (IRD) session, which showcased agricultural breakthroughs from Ghanaian universities and research institutions. He expressed optimism that these innovations, supported by the forthcoming government research fund, would soon benefit farmers directly.
Award Winners Honoured 82-year-old Opanyin Abraham Kwaku Adusei from Afram Plains South in the Eastern Region emerged as the 2025 National Best Farmer. 48-year-old Mr. Osmanu Kadril from the Greater Accra Region was first runner-up, while 63-year-old Mr. Charles Gyato from the Oti Region placed second runner-up. Other individuals, institutions and farmers based groups were also recognised for their efforts at enhancing food production and security in the country.
The colourful event brought together dignitaries, traditional leaders, and development partners, to celebrate Ghana’s farmers and fishers under the banner of national resilience, self-sufficiency, and food security.
