The official Ghana Farmer’s Day will be on the first Friday in December, December 2 this year, at Koforidua in the Eastern Region, to celebrates the country’s farmers and fishermen
This year’s celebration would as usual be marked with a National Agricultural Fair and also celebrated with a Grand Durbar and Awards Ceremony where Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President of the Republic of Ghana will confer national honours on best performing farmers.
Accelerating Agricultural Development Through Value Addition
This year’s launch was chaired by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, in attendance also was the Deputy Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Moses Anim, who came on behalf of his Minister Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson, he expressed his appreciation to all sponsors for their generous sponsorship leading to a successful celebration in 2021 and previous celebrations.
The theme for the 38th National Farmers’ Day Celebration –“Accelerating Agricultural Development Through Value Addition”- is instructive and an eye opener in the wake of prevailing global challenges. This is because the concept of value addition in agriculture especially fisheries and aquaculture presents a very good opportunity for additional revenue generation, job creation, foreign exchange earnings and effective post-harvest management. For instance, in 2021 total fish production stood at 628,617.53 mt estimated at GHS11.04 billion contributing about 1.04% of GDP and 20.99% of Agriculture GDP.
The agricultural industry contributes at least 20% to 30% of revenue to the country’s socio-economic fronts. The import and export business generates an income for many households, and allows the economic industry to thrive. However, issues, such as climate change, have had a negative impact on the industry. The agricultural industry faced similar challenges during the early 1980s but fought hard to grow it, which led to the observance of Ghana Farmer’s Day. It’s a day to recognize and award the hard work of farmers and fishermen.
