The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku Urged corporate Ghana, development partners and financial institutions have been urged to support the 42nd National Farmers’ Day celebration.
As Ghana prepares to honour farmers and fisher folk whose work remains central to the country’s food security and economic development. The 42nd National Farmers’ Day celebration is scheduled for Friday, December 4, 2026, in Sunyani in the Bono Region, under the theme, “Our Farmers, Our Food, Our Future.”
The annual event provides a national platform for recognising outstanding farmers, fishers and other stakeholders whose contributions sustain Ghana’s agricultural sector.
The appeal for corporate sponsorship comes at a time when agriculture remains a critical pillar of Ghana’s efforts to strengthen domestic food production, create rural employment and reduce dependence on food imports.
The call emphasises that sponsorship of the celebration should not be viewed merely as support for an annual ceremony, but as an investment in the people and value chains that underpin the country’s food system.
The theme for this year’s celebration highlights the direct relationship between the welfare of farmers, food availability and Ghana’s long-term economic stability.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has therefore encouraged corporate organisations, development partners, donor agencies, financial institutions and agribusinesses to participate actively in the celebration and support activities aimed at recognising and rewarding farmers.
The Ministry’s position is that stronger private-sector participation is essential to advancing sustainable agricultural growth, food security, job creation and value addition.
Farmers Central to Food Security
The importance of the celebration has been reinforced by recent developments in Ghana’s agricultural sector, particularly efforts under the government’s Feed Ghana Programme to increase domestic production.
According to the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Eric Opoku, maize production exceeded 4.6 million tonnes in 2025, compared with estimated national demand of 3.6 million tonnes.
However, he stressed that increased production must be accompanied by adequate storage, processing and market access to ensure that farmers benefit from higher output.
“Farmers are the Mainstay, Backbone and Anchor of the Economy,” Dr Opoku said, stressing the extensive contribution of agriculture to households, businesses and the wider economy.
The Minister has also indicated that the government is seeking to transform agriculture from largely subsistence activity into a profitable business capable of attracting more young people.
This objective makes the involvement of corporate Ghana particularly important, as businesses can contribute not only through sponsorship but also through financing, technology, market access, training, mechanisation and value-chain development.
Call for Stronger Private Sector Partnership
The 42nd Farmers’ Day celebration is expected to bring together government, farmers, agribusinesses, financial institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to recognise achievements in agriculture while drawing attention to opportunities and challenges within the sector.
The Ministry has already received corporate support for the celebration, with Olam Agri Ghana donating GH¢100,000 towards the organisation of the event. The company’s contribution demonstrates how private-sector participation can complement government efforts to honour farmers and promote agricultural development.
Presenting the donation, Olam Agri Ghana Country Head, Baibhav Biswas, said the company regarded its support as part of its commitment to Ghana’s agricultural development.
“We strongly feel that farmers are the backbone of any economy, and Ghana is no exception.”
Olam Ghana Country Head, Bhaibhav Biswas
Olam Agri has operated in Ghana for about 35 years and works with farmers across value chains including cocoa, cashew and rice, while also participating in food processing and distribution.
Its support reflects the broader role businesses can play in strengthening agricultural value chains beyond traditional corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Financing Agriculture Remains Critical
Access to finance continues to be an important component of agricultural transformation, particularly for smallholder farmers and agribusinesses seeking to expand production.
Recent initiatives demonstrate growing efforts by financial institutions and development partners to address financing gaps in the sector.
The International Finance Corporation, for instance, announced partnerships with Absa Bank Ghana and Complete Farmer in September 2026 to expand agricultural finance and support smallholder farmers.
The IFC-Absa partnership includes a facility of up to US$50 million to support financing for cocoa purchases, while its partnership with Complete Farmer is expected to help expand access to finance for farmers.
Development Bank Ghana has similarly supported agricultural businesses through long-term financing and partnerships with financial institutions, reflecting the importance of patient capital in developing productive agricultural enterprises.
These interventions reinforce the argument that supporting farmers requires more than annual recognition. It requires sustained investment across production, finance, technology, infrastructure, storage, processing and markets.
Investment in Ghana’s Future
The 42nd National Farmers’ Day therefore presents an opportunity for Corporate Ghana and development partners to deepen their engagement with the agricultural sector.
Beyond sponsorship of awards and activities, businesses can use the platform to develop long-term partnerships with farmer groups, invest in agricultural technology, support youth participation, provide market opportunities and strengthen local processing.
The 2026 celebration also comes with enhanced incentives for outstanding farmers. The National Best Farmer is expected to receive a package including GH¢1.2 million, a new pickup vehicle, a tractor with accessories and agricultural inputs.
The winner and spouse are also expected to benefit from a seven-day agricultural study and leisure trip to Italy sponsored by a private company. Such recognition, coupled with meaningful private sector investment, can help reposition agriculture as a viable and attractive economic activity.
As Ghana prepares for the national celebration in Sunyani, stakeholders are being encouraged to see the event as more than a ceremony. It is an opportunity to reaffirm the country’s commitment to the people who produce its food, sustain rural economies and contribute to national development.
The message is therefore clear: investing in farmers is investing in food security, livelihoods and Ghana’s economic future.
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