The 2025 National Farmers’ Forum, held on Thursday, 4th December at Stevens Hotel in Ho, brought together national award-winning farmers, policymakers, financial institutions and key stakeholders as part of the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebrations.

The forum, sponsored by the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), featured a series of engagements including statements from the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, a product presentation from ADB, and an open discussion session with farmers.

Delivering the welcome address, Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, underscored the importance of sustained investment, research, irrigation and value addition in transforming Ghana’s agriculture. He commended ADB for its consistent support to the sector and acknowledged the vital contributions of farmers and fisherfolk to national development.

In his keynote statement, Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, emphasised government’s renewed commitment to revitalising the agricultural sector. He described as unacceptable the continued importation of basic produce despite Ghana’s vast fertile lands. He called for collective responsibility to ensure a complete turnaround of the sector.

The Agric Minister further announced that ADB is providing GH₵1.2 million to the 2025 Overall Best Farmer, reinforcing the bank’s long-standing support for farmers.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of the FEED GHANA Policy Document, unveiled by Hon. Eric Opoku. The policy is anchored on two major pillars:

1. Transitioning from rain-fed agriculture to irrigation, and

2. Promoting value addition across the value chain.

According to the Minister, the government has “come to understand that rain-fed agriculture does not and cannot guarantee food security.” He revealed that 10 million birds are being introduced into the system as part of strategic interventions to boost national food production and reduce import dependence.

Farmers participated actively during the Q&A and open forum sessions, sharing concerns and recommendations aimed at strengthening agriculture and agribusiness.