Farmers must lead Ghana’s agricultural future – Eric Opoku

Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has emphasised that Ghana’s agricultural transformation depends on placing farmers at the forefront of innovation, value-chain development, and national food security efforts.

Speaking at the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration in Ho on Friday, December 5, the Minister stressed that farmers must not remain passive participants.
“Today, we celebrate you. But beyond today, we shall continue to support and invest in your success. The Ghanaian farmer must not be a mere participant, but the leader of the entire agri-space,” he said.

Mr Opoku, who was in Ho with President Mahama, praised the resilience and ingenuity of farmers and fishers, describing their work as central to the nation’s economic growth.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, permit me to commend the hardworking farmers and fishers gathered here. Their innovation and resilience continue to inspire our work at the Ministry, whether through improved seed adoption, sustainable livestock practices, irrigation use, mechanization, or agro-processing, to have proven that agriculture remains a powerful engine for building a robust, sustainable, and circular economy,” he said.

He highlighted the progress achieved under the Feed Ghana programme, including expanded irrigation infrastructure, mechanisation support, reforms in seed and fertiliser distribution, livestock improvement initiatives, and value-chain development.

Mr Opoku credited the Ministry’s collaboration with research institutions for ensuring policies are evidence-based and impactful.

“Over the past 11 months, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has laid a solid foundation for agricultural transformation. All our actions have been informed by science, and we believe that collaboration between the research institutions and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture is indispensable for the achievement of food and nutrition security. As a ministry, we have worked tirelessly to advance the vision of agricultural transformation under the Feed Ghana programme,” he said.

Mr Opoku also acknowledged private-sector partners such as ADB, Glico, Stanbic Bank, and Sino Machinery for their commitment to Ghanaian agriculture. He commended AgriHouse Foundation for organising the National Agricultural Fair without state funding and celebrated the introduction of the Innovation, Research and Development Session showcasing scientific breakthroughs from local universities and research bodies.

“The program has begun delivering tangible results through expanded irrigation development, mechanization support, seed and fertilizer distribution reforms, livestock improvement initiatives and strengthening value chain development. These interventions are not abstract policy ideas. They are transforming rural livelihoods, increasing productivity and creating opportunities for farmers, especially women and the youth,” the Minister said.

He expressed confidence that sustained investment and support would enable Ghana to become the “food nation of Africa” and urged Corporate Ghana to deepen partnerships with the Ministry.

Mr Opoku pledged government’s commitment to ensuring farmers and fishers remain leaders of the agricultural space, celebrating them for sustaining the nation and driving collective progress.