41st Farmers’ Day Celebration Launched in Ho – Agric Fair Opens

The launch, attended by government officials, traditional leaders, farmers, fishers, exhibitors, and stakeholders across the agricultural value chain, sets the stage for national recognition of Ghana’s hardworking farmers and fishers as well as innovations driving the country’s food systems.

Agric Minister Commends Farmers, Stakeholders

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, expressed appreciation to all actors in the agricultural sector whose efforts continue to fuel Ghana’s food security, economic growth, and job creation.

He described the 2025 National Agricultural Fair as more than an exhibition a practical demonstration of Ghana’s progress in modernizing agriculture.

Over the next five days, the Ho Sports Stadium will host:

• Agribusinesses
• Universities and research institutions
• Technology service providers
• Development partners
• Exhibitors showcasing seeds, livestock, mechanization equipment, irrigation technologies, digital advisory tools, agro-processing machinery, and more.

Hon. Opoku emphasized that the fair promotes learning, collaboration, and innovation, supporting farmers, investors, and students to exchange knowledge and explore market opportunities.

He further commended the Volta Regional Coordinating Council for its readiness and enthusiasm in hosting this year’s national celebration, describing the region’s support as exceptional.

Partnerships Reduce Government Burden

The Minister also acknowledged Gai Kho General Insurance for providing a GH¢1 million public liability insurance cover for all participants at the fair.

He highlighted the role of the AgriHouse Foundation, the implementation partner for this year’s fair, for coordinating exhibitors and reducing the financial burden traditionally carried by government.

According to him, the fair previously expensive for the state is now being organized at no cost to government due to strong public-private partnerships.

He called on corporate Ghana to continue supporting the Ministry of Agriculture in celebrating and empowering hardworking farmers and fishers nationwide.

Fisheries Ministry Lauds Fishers and Processors

Delivering a speech on behalf of the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Madam Marianne Kpikpi praised the contributions of fishers, fish farmers, and fish processors, especially women who form the backbone of the value chain.

She noted that fish accounts for about 60% of the animal protein consumed in Ghana, feeding millions of households daily and supporting around 3 million livelihoods across the sector.

In 2024:

• Artisanal fisheries landed over 300,000 metric tons of marine fish.
• Aquaculture contributed about 122,000 metric tons.

She acknowledged ongoing challenges—rising costs, climate change, and post-harvest losses—but emphasized that government reforms are underway, including:

• Strengthening fisheries management under the new Fisheries and Aquaculture Act
• Expanding aquaculture zones
• Improving landing site infrastructure
• Enforcing protection of the inshore exclusive zone for artisanal fishers

She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to building a resilient, sustainable, and modern fisheries sector.

A Call to Action

Both ministries emphasized that the 2025 theme, “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future,” is a national call to action urging Ghanaians to:

• Increase domestic food production
• Promote consumption of locally produced foods
• Strengthen value chains
• Ensure food security for future generations

The launch ended with a call for active participation in the week-long fair and exhibitions.