The 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration kicked off in Ho, the capital of the Volta Region, with a call for a shift in mindset towards agriculture. Council of State Member for the Volta Region, Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, emphasized that agriculture is a collaboration, not a competition, and that it requires a collective effort to achieve food security and economic growth.
Speaking at the opening of the Agricultural Fair and Exhibition, Atokple highlighted the importance of agriculture in Ghana’s development, saying it nourishes citizens, drives industries, supports the economy, and strengthens national unity. He noted that the Volta Region has immense potential in agriculture, with fertile lands, abundant water bodies, and a strategic location that makes it easier to distribute food to major markets.
Atokple appealed to the government to adopt the Volta Region fully into its agricultural development plans, citing the region’s potential in rice cultivation, cassava, maize, vegetables, fruits, cocoa, poultry, livestock, and aquaculture. He also emphasized the need for investment in irrigation systems, improved seed varieties, better milling facilities, and adequate storage units to boost agricultural productivity.
The Council of State Member also acknowledged the challenges facing farmers, including high input costs, limited mechanization, and climate change, and called for stronger cooperatives to help farmers negotiate, access markets, and benefit from economies of scale.
The event was attended by government officials, including the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, and the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur. The celebration is expected to bring together farmers, fishers, and stakeholders from across the country to showcase their products and share knowledge on best practices in agriculture.
