Africa-Press – Ghana. Mr Jacob Abugri Aka-Eri, the Bolgatanga East District Chief Executive (DCE), says food security is the first pillar of national security which should be taken seriously.
He said the sustenance of citizens depended on the effort of a farmer who rises at dawn, through processing, storage, transportation and the extension officer who provides critical guidance on the field.
At this year’s 41st Farmers Day is celebrated in the District on the theme: “Feed Ghana, eat Ghana, secure the future”, the DCE noted that the theme was beyond a slogan saying, “It represents a national awakening, reminding us that food security is the first pillar of national security.”
Since the inception of the National Farmers Day celebration at Osino in the Eastern Region in 1985, the first Friday of December every year, was set aside to honour hardworking farmers, whose toil not only put food on tables, but provided raw materials to feed industry and earn foreign exchange for the Country.
The DCE said “As we celebrate this important day, let us renew our commitment to agricultural transformation. Let us pledge to protect our lands, support our farmers and uphold the vision of a food secure Ghana.”
Mr Aka-Eri noted that the district was not just proud of farmers, but stood in solidarity with them, and acknowledged that their labour was the backbone of the district and the entire nation.
He said the daily activities of farmers sustained the nation and guaranteed its future adding that the Mahama-led-government recognized food security as urgent need.
“It is for this reason that the Feed Ghana Programme has been launched. This is a bold, transformative and comprehensive agricultural strategy that will run from 2025 to 2028.
“This programme is designed to reposition agriculture as the strongest pillar of the national economy, increase productivity, reduce food imports, enhance value addition and expand job opportunities for millions of Ghanaians,” the DCE said.
Mr Jonal Yiran, the District Director of Food and Agriculture, noted that feeding Ghana required more than passion, but sustained efforts in mechanization, improved agronomic practices, integrated soil fertility management, and climate-resilient agricultural systems.
“These are the tools that will enable the sector to keep pace with population growth, climate change, and the increasing pressures on our soils. They are essential if agriculture is to continue contributing meaningfully to the nation’s economy,” he said.
Mr Yiran disclosed that the Upper East Region experienced two major dry spells in 2025 saying, “The first from late June to early July, and the second from late July to early August.
“These dry periods severely affected crop performance and posed a significant threat to food security both locally and nationally. However, our Department of Agriculture took proactive steps.
“Guided by early warning signals from the Ghana Meteorological Agency, the Department disseminated timely weather updates to farmers,” the Director said.
To adopt to changing climate, he said the Department intensified sensitization on soil and water conservation techniques noting that “From this challenging experience, the Department of Agriculture has gleaned valuable lessons.
“We recognize the urgent need to enhance resilience in agriculture to achieve stable and improved agricultural productivity,” Mr Yiran said.
He said the Department remained committed to improving resilience to climate change, and would continue to promote eco-friendly farming systems, conserve natural resources, and reduce soil degradation.
Mr Nbota Nboa, a 71-year-old man with several livestock and acres of farmlands to his credit emerged the overall Best District Farmer among 20 farmers recognized on the day, and took home a certificate of honour, tricycle, farm inputs and equipment.
Mr Baba Ayambire and Mr Charles Ayimbire Atambire emerged the first and second runners up respectively for the male category, while Madam Hellen Atampugre won the Best Female Farmer prize, followed by Madam Mary Asana Akolgo.
All awardees received certificates of honour, farm inputs and varied items including motorbikes, mattresses, stand fans, refrigerator, cutlasses, knapsack sprayers, fertilizers among others.
The overall Best Farmer in his remarks, expressed gratitude to God, his family, the DCE and officials of the District Assembly and the Department of Agriculture for the recognition and honour done him.
For More News And Analysis About Ghana Follow Africa-Press
