Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has highlighted the ministry's comprehensive preparations and commitment to recognizing Ghana's agricultural workforce as the country gears up for the upcoming Farmers Day celebration. In a pivotal meeting discussing the event, Minister Opoku announced a significant milestone - receiving the first corporate donation to support the national event.
Emphasizing agriculture's critical role in Ghana's economy, Minister Opoku stated that "agriculture is the foundation upon which every human activity is anchored." This statement underscores the importance of the agricultural sector in providing food security, employment, and economic growth. The minister urged other companies to follow suit in supporting farmers, recognizing the significant contributions they make to the nation's economic and social development.
The ministry has made significant progress in preparing for the event, including:
Event Logistics, The venue is pending presidential confirmation, and a detailed program will be publicly announced soon. The ministry is committed to transparency in the award selection process.
Award Selection, A comprehensive assessment of deserving farmers will be conducted, and the final selection will be made publicly transparent. The ministry is committed to delivering awards directly at the event venue, addressing previous years' delays in award distribution.
The ministry has also made significant investments in agricultural production and food security, including:
Ghana Buffer Stock, 100 million Ghana cedis have been allocated to the Ghana buffer stock, which will be used to purchase, store, and manage agricultural produce.
Strategic Plan, The ministry is developing a strategic plan to support local agricultural production and ensure food security.
- *Consultations with AGI*: Ongoing consultations with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) are aimed at finalizing pricing strategies that will benefit both farmers and industries.
Minister Opoku emphasized the importance of supporting local agricultural production and ensuring food security, calling on all stakeholders to contribute to building resilient agricultural systems. The Farmers Day celebration represents a crucial opportunity to recognize and support Ghana's agricultural community, highlighting the sector's significance to the nation's economic and social development.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture's comprehensive preparations for the Farmers Day celebration demonstrate its commitment to recognizing and supporting Ghana's agricultural workforce. With the first corporate donation received and a detailed program soon to be announced, the event promises to be a significant milestone in the country's agricultural calendar. As the nation comes together to celebrate the contributions of farmers, it is essential that all stakeholders continue to support and invest in the agricultural sector to ensure food security and economic growth.