By Jones Anlimah
President John Dramani Mahama has encouraged Ghanaians from all walks of life, including government ministers, civil servants and professionals, to venture into agriculture as a viable business and a key driver of national development.
Addressing the Grand Durbar of the 41st National Farmers Day celebration in Ho, under the theme “Eat Ghana, Grow Ghana, and Secure the Future,” President Mahama said agriculture remains the backbone of the economy and a major source of employment and wealth creation.
“Agriculture is not only for those who live in the rural areas. Even as a President, I am a farmer,” he said, drawing applause from the audience. “If every Ghanaian dedicates part of their resources or time to farming, we can feed ourselves and export the surplus.”
The President said it was time for professionals, business people, and young graduates to see agriculture as an attractive and profitable enterprise rather than a last resort.
He shared success stories of young entrepreneurs who have made significant incomes through poultry, vegetable, and livestock farming, saying such examples prove that agriculture is a modern, technology-driven venture capable of transforming lives.
President Mahama called on his ministers and government officials to lead by example by establishing personal farms and investing in agribusiness ventures to inspire the next generation.
“We cannot encourage others to farm while we ourselves are not farming,” he said. “If each of us grows something, we will together secure the future of this nation.”
The President commended Ghanaian farmers and fishers for their resilience and contribution to food security and congratulated this year’s award winners for their excellence and innovation.
The colourful celebration, attended by ministers of state, traditional leaders, development partners, and farmers, underscored the renewed national call to “Eat Ghana, Grow Ghana, and Secure the Future.”
