By Rachel Quartey & Rukayatu Musah
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed government’s commitment to agricultural transformation and food security, emphasizing that Ghana’s future lies in empowering farmers and modernizing agriculture.
Speaking at the 2025 Asogli Te Za (Yam Festival) in Ho, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang lauded Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, and the people of the Volta Region for preserving a rich cultural tradition that celebrates unity, renewal, and gratitude.
She noted that beyond its cultural significance, the Yam Festival serves as a “powerful cultural lens” through which to appreciate the promise of the government’s Feed Ghana Programme, which aims to boost agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods.
“Here in the Volta Region, yam has been a source of sustenance, a symbol of renewal, and a sign of communal wealth,” the Vice President said. “But today’s farmers face challenges — changing rainfall, post-harvest losses, and market instability — and that is why Government has placed food security and agricultural transformation at the heart of our agenda.”
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang outlined several interventions under the Feed Ghana Programme. “This year, under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Feed Ghana Programme is being rolled out with tangible support:
– Significant allocations have been made to agriculture in 2025, supporting programs like the Vegetable Development Project, and Nkoko Nketenkete for poultry and eggs.
- Five thousand graduates in agriculture and veterinary science are to be deployed across the country — including here in Volta — to work side by side with farmers, providing modern extension services, sharing new techniques, and helping bridge research and practice.
- Special attention is being given to vegetable farming, a strength of this region.”
She also commended ongoing stakeholder engagements in Ho and other districts to encourage cooperatives and maximize irrigation potential, particularly for rice and yam production.
She described the Volta Region as a potential “agricultural backbone” of the country, with underutilized irrigation systems ready for rehabilitation, adding that land banks, credit facilities, and agribusiness training are being prioritized to make farming more modern and attractive to the youth.
“We must ensure that the youth of Asogli see farming not as a last resort, but as one of many noble professions,” she emphasized.
The Vice President further linked the festival’s spirit of renewal to the newly launched Adwumawura Programme — a flagship youth employment initiative championed by President Mahama to create opportunities through skills and entrepreneurship.
Commending the chiefs and people of Asogli for sustaining their cultural heritage, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged Ghanaians to merge tradition with innovation in building a resilient and self-sufficient nation.
The 2025 Asogli Yam Festival climaxed with a colourful durbar featuring traditional displays, a royal procession, and vibrant cultural performances, marking yet another celebration of unity, gratitude, and renewal in the Volta Region. This year’s celebration was held on the theme, “Together in Honesty and Purpose, We Build a Just, Peaceful and Prosperous Nation.”
Togbe Afede XIV, the President of Asogli Traditional Area, on his part, expressed gratitude to the gods and ancestors for a peaceful and successful celebration.
He renewed his call for honesty and moral uprightness in national life.
Quoting William Shakespeare, the English playwright and poet, Togbe Afede, reminded Ghanaians that “No legacy is so rich as honesty,” stressing that corruption and dishonesty continued to undermine national development.
”It is sad that in a country as religious as ours, corruption has become normalized. We celebrate the wealthy without questioning how they earned their riches, and we often vilify the honest. We must change this narrative,” he said.
The Agbogbomefia called for renewed commitment to truth, transparency, and respect for the Constitution, emphasising that Ghana’s progress depended on citizens who value integrity and accountability.
He also urged chiefs within the Asogli State to help resolve land and chieftaincy disputes, stressing that peace and justice were essential to development.
The 2025 yam festival also marked the 22nd anniversary of Togbe Afede’s enstoolment as Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State. It drew participation from traditional leaders, Ewe chiefs from Togo and Benin, foreign diplomats, and senior government officials.
