Africa-Press – Ghana. Dr Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, Volta Region’s representative on the Council of State, has described farmers and fishers as the quiet architects of Ghanas’ stability, saying “a nation that cannot feed itself risks instability.”
Giving his keynote address at the official launch of the National Agricultural Fair and Exhibition at the Ho Sports Stadium, he commended the tireless efforts of farmers in feeding the nation and driving economic growth
“We celebrate the resilience, sacrifice and dedication of our farmers and fishers. They rise before dawn, labour under the hot sun and continue even when challenges overwhelm them. They nourish the nation long before their work is acknowledged. They do this not for applause but because the survival of families and communities depends on their courage. They are the quiet architects of our nation’s stability.”
Dr Kwamigah-Atokple gave a scenario in which a “waakye” seller he usually bought from was absent one day leaving customers disappointed, confused and hungry, to suggest the importance of collaboration and support among farmers, processors, traders and consumers.
“Agriculture is about the entire system of people whose effort moves food from the soil into society. Without each link, the chain collapses.”
“Experiences like this are the reason I avoid the old school debate that tries to ask who is more important between the farmer and the doctor. That debate oversimplifies life and sets two noble professions against each other when, in reality, they complement each other.
The doctor saves lives at critical moments, but the farmer prevents countless critical moments by providing nourishment long before illness begins. The question has never been about ranking professions. The true question is whether we appreciate the interconnected system that sustains human life. Agriculture is not a competition. It is a collaboration that determines the wellbeing of society.”
He highlighted the significance of national agricultural policies by the new government including agriculture for economic transformation agenda, farmer service centres, farm bank initiative and expanded agribusiness to support the sector, the backbone of Ghana’s development.
Dr Kwamigah-Atokple acknowledged challenges facing farmers like high inputs costs, limited mechanisation, restricted access to credit and post-harvest losses and suggested better roads, stronger extension services among others to address the issues.
The Council of State member emphasised the Volta Region’s agricultural potentials, citing its fertile lands, favourable climate, reliable water resources and a hardworking population committed to farming across generations, saying those advantages positioned the region as an ideal hub for agricultural advancement and food production.
He also touched on the region’s agricultural strength in rice, cassava, maize, vegetables, cocoa, poultry, livestock and aquaculture declaring, “The Volta Region is ready. Ghana is ready. With united purpose and strategic investment, we can build a future where our nation is food secure, economically strong and fully capable of sustaining itself.”
Mr Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture, said the theme for this year’s celebration, “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future” was a reminder of the national duty to enhance food production, consume local foods and build resilient food systems.
He highlighted the significance of the fair as a platform for inspiration, innovation and action, stressing that the fair was no just an exhibition but a showcase of the progress the country made in the agriculture sector.
Mr Opoku appreciated sponsors of the 2025 celebration including Agricultural Development Bank and Agrihouse Foundation for their immense support and called on corporate Ghana to continue supporting the sector.
Togbe Patamia Dzekle VII, Vice President of Volta Regional House of Chiefs who chaired the event expressed pride in having ever been a fisherman and encouraged farmers and fishers to ensure the sustainability of the resources, saying “We cannot live without produce from our farms, from our rivers.”
Monday’s event marked the beginning of series of activities planned towards the grand celebration of the 41st National Farmers’ Day on Friday December 5 in Ho.
It was attended by the Volta Regional Minister, heads of decentralised agencies, Municipal and District Chief Executives, major actors across the agricultural value chain and students.
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