The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afrieyie Akoto has assured the nation that, The 34th National Farmers’ Day will to be held at The Northern Regional capital, Tamale on December 7.
In a statement presented to Parliament ahead of The Day, Ghana’s Agric Minister noted that, a lot of handwork has gone into the preparations to ensure a successful celebration, “among others, a competent team of Agric Professionals with a worth of knowledge, experience and integrity was put together to travel the entire length and breadth of Ghana for first-hand information, and to subject eligible farmers to strict scrutiny in accordance with agreed criteria”.
According to him, “at all levels of the awards therefore, namely; National, Regional and District, I can confidently report that the best and most deserving farmers will be awarded on The D-Day”.
Speaking on this year’s theme:, “Agriculture: Moving Ghana Beyond Aid”, Dr. Akoto said, the theme reflects the premium placed on agriculture by the current government and by implication the farmer, who is the focus and the target of government’s policies and programmes.
“It is an undeniable fact that since assuming office in 2017, government has more than demonstrated its commitment to changing the face of Ghana’s agriculture”, he proudly stated.
Touching on planting for food and job, The Minister maintained that “the evidence is there for all to see” stressed….“there is no part in Ghana that has not been touched by the success story in terms of the abundant production”.
The celebration includes a week-long exhibition and trade fair which started last Friday, 30th November, 2018. The fair will extend to the National farmers’ on Friday 7th December, as a side attraction.
Ghana National Farmers’ Day is an annual national holiday, which is set aside to celebrate farmers and fisherfolks.
Celebrated on the first Friday of December, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, (MOFA) in Ghana gives special awards to deserving farmers and fishers based on their practices and output.
Also, a National Farmers Forum takes place for award winners to meet with policy makers.
Story Edzorna Francis Mensah
