Collins Sefa President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to introduce single-digit agricultural credit to boost production and strengthen national food security.
He explained that the current lending regime forces many farmers to “work for the bank rather than for themselves,” and stressed that affordable financing would be central to transforming the sector.
The President made the commitment at the 2025 National Farmers Day celebration held in Ho last Friday. He also announced that national food inflation had dropped significantly—from 28.3 per cent in January to 9.5 per cent as of October this year.
Feed Ghana Programme Unveiled
Addressing farmers and stakeholders, President Mahama outlined a comprehensive “Feed Ghana” programme aimed at modernising agriculture, creating jobs, reducing food inflation and promoting rural industrialisation.
The programme will develop value chains for key crops and livestock, expand irrigation infrastructure, establish Farmer Service Centres, and enhance storage and agro-processing facilities nationwide.
“A sustained transformation of the agricultural sector requires well-designed, comprehensive and sequenced interventions implemented with discipline and commitment,” the President said. “The Feed Ghana programme embodies exactly this approach.”
This year’s celebration, themed “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future,” marked the ceremony’s return to the Volta Regional capital since 2019, with the Agbogbomefia of Asogli, Togbe Afede XIV, chairing the event. The occasion featured an exhibition of Ghana’s agricultural products, food displays, speeches and cultural performances.
Irrigation, Mechanisation and Post-Harvest Interventions
President Mahama announced that 3,520 hectares of irrigation land were currently being developed under the Irrigation for Wealth Creation Initiative, with extensive work ongoing in the Afram Plains enclave.
To promote all-year farming, he said the Ministry of Agriculture would distribute solar-powered water pumps nationwide.
“Even if you have a 10-acre farm, we will drill a borehole for you and install a solar water pump. You don’t need electricity. It will supply you with water so that you can farm throughout the year,” he assured.
To address mechanisation gaps and post-harvest losses, he said the government had finalised agreements to procure 5,500 agricultural machines and to establish 50 Farmer Service Centres across the country.
Promoting Local Food Production
President Mahama reaffirmed a directive for the School Feeding Programme to procure food items from local farmers.
“It is unacceptable that suppliers buy rice from Vietnam to feed our schoolchildren when Ghanaian farmers are sitting with rice inventories from last year,” he said.
He praised scientists for developing improved crop varieties—including a newly released weevil-resistant cowpea—and revealed that the National School Agriculture Programme, designed to involve educational institutions in food production, would be launched soon.
Tribute to Farmers
The President paid glowing tribute to farmers and fishers, describing them as “the true custodians of Ghana’s food security” who continue to persevere despite numerous challenges.
He encouraged Ghanaians to embrace farming, adding: “Agriculture is profitable and brings good incomes. That’s why even as President, I am a farmer. Everybody can be a farmer.”
Togbe Afede Urges Revitalisation of Cash Crop Sectors
In his remarks, Togbe Afede XIV praised farmers, fishers and value-chain actors for their vital contributions to national development. He, however, expressed concern about declining productivity in key agricultural sectors—particularly cocoa, cotton and coffee.
He noted that these crops had historically been pillars of economic growth and urged stronger state intervention, increased research investment and targeted revitalisation policies.
Togbe Afede also commended the government’s $10 billion Big Push Programme, describing it as a transformative initiative that could significantly boost infrastructure in rural farming communities.
Award Winners
Several individuals were honoured for their contributions to agriculture:
- Most Enterprising Female Cocoa Farmer: Cecilia Addae, Ahafo Region
- National Best Sheanut Picker: Aminatu Sulley, North East Region
- National Best Coffee Farmer: Kwasi Gyan, Bono East Region
- National Best Fisheries Extension Officer (Northern Zone): Israel Hanson Arthur, Bono East Region
- National Best Fisheries Extension Officer (Southern Zone): Esther Boateng, Ashanti Region
- National Best Fish Processor: Margaret Ahadjitse, Central Region
- National Best Inland Fisher: Kofi Adukpo, Bono East Region
- National Best Fish Farmer: Richard Ditton, Upper East Region
- National Best Marine Fisher: Clement Sewornu, Volta Region
