Ghana marks the 40th National Farmers’ Day today and it will be climaxed with a national awards night ceremony to be attended by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
And as it is always, farmers and fishers who have distinguished themselves across the country during the year will be honoured in 15 award categories.
The categories include Overall National Best Farmer, National Best Livestock Farmer, and National Best Female Farmer, reflecting the diverse contributions of individuals in the agricultural sector.
This year, there will be no regional-level celebrations, however, each region is permitted to nominate 10 regional award categories.
The prestigious National Farmers’ Day since its inception in 1985 by the government of Ghana was in recognition of the vital role farmers and fishermen play in the Ghanaian economy.
This was a result of 30 per cent growth recorded of farmers and fishermen outputs in 1984 after the bad agricultural years of 1982 and 1983.
To continue motivating and recognising the works and efforts of the farmers in the country, the celebrations continued annually after the inception and was subsequently incorporated into regional level recognition and district level recognition as well.
Held on the first Friday of December, annually, this year’s event was however brought backward to November 8, today due to the general election slated in December in every fourth year.
It has been set on the theme: “Building climate-resilient agriculture for sustainable food security,” a commitment by the government to adapt agricultural practices in response to climate change challenges.
As part of the activities to mark the 40th anniversary of National Farmer’s Day celebrations, Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) in partnership with Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD) and Ghana Cocoa Board launched a five-day celebration and exhibition, where a total of 190 exhibitors in the agricultural value chain from across the country displayed assorted agricultural products including food crops, agricultural machinery and agric imports in Accra.
Dubbed: “Agrifest 2024”, the event which began on Monday at the Efua Sutherland Park (Children’s Park) has on display locally produced yoghurts, cereals, cash crop powder, mushroom and soda pastries, palm, groundnut and coconut oils, legumes, manure, fertilisers, weedicides, tractors, African fabrics, cocoa and shea products.
Also, to partake in the exhibition, all the national winners, arrived in Accra on Sunday and joined in the official opening of the activities with a colourful float procession starting from the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and winding its way to the event grounds at the Ministries, Accra.
All participants across the 16 regions showcased their agricultural products and rich culture, while they were expected to rehearse yesterday for the prestigious national awards night ceremony.
Today’s event is expecting dignitaries from across and beyond the country.
BY CECILIA LAGBA YADA