The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has emphasized that Ghana’s agricultural future hinges on empowering farmers to take leadership roles across the entire agricultural value chain.
Speaking at the 41st National Farmers Day celebration in Ho on Friday, December 5, the Minister said farmers must not remain passive contributors but should be positioned at the forefront of innovation, value-chain expansion and national food security strategies.
Hon. Eric Opoku praised the resilience, creativity and hard work of farmers and fishers, describing their contributions as central to Ghana’s economic transformation.
He highlighted the strides made under the Feed Ghana programme—including expanded irrigation, mechanisation support, reforms in seed and fertilizer distribution, livestock improvement, and strengthened value-chain development.
He credited the Ministry’s collaboration with research institutions for ensuring that agricultural policies remain science-driven and impactful.
The Minister also thanked key private-sector partners such as ADB, Glico, Stanbic Bank and Sino Machinery, as well as AgriHouse Foundation for organising the National Agricultural Fair at no cost to the state.
According to him, the introduction of the Innovation, Research and Development Session at the fair showcased the scientific capabilities of Ghana’s universities and research bodies.
Mr. Opoku noted that within 11 months, the Ministry has built a strong foundation for agricultural transformation, ensuring that interventions translate into real improvements in rural livelihoods, productivity and opportunities—especially for women and youth in agriculture.
He expressed optimism that with sustained investment and the establishment of the government’s research fund, innovations would move from laboratory testing to practical field application, accelerating Ghana’s agricultural transformation and positioning the country as the “food nation of Africa.
”The Minister encourage1d Corporate Ghana to deepen collaboration with the Ministry to1 scale innovations, strengthen v⅕alue ch¹ains and further empower farmers.
He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that farmers and fishers remain leaders of the country’s agricultural space, acknowledging their contribution to sustaining the nation and driving shared progress.
