The Tamale Metropolitan Assembly has marked the 41st National Farmers’ Day at Datoyili under the theme “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future”, urging Ghanaians to prioritize locally produced food to promote national development and economic sustainability.
Mayor Hon. Abu Takoro emphasized that Ghana cannot secure its future if citizens continue to rely heavily on foreign goods. He called on the public to consume local staples such as yam, rice, poultry, and fish, stressing that the nation’s prosperity depends on the strength of its farmers and the value citizens place on home-grown food. According to him, the theme “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future” reflects a renewed commitment to supporting agriculture as the backbone of national development.
The Mayor further noted that as the nation honors its farmers, it must also acknowledge the pressing realities that threaten agricultural growth. He pointed out that climate change, post-harvest losses, land degradation, and the increasing dependence on food imports pose serious risks to Ghana’s food security. According to him, meeting these challenges requires bold, practical, and innovative interventions. He stressed the need to expand irrigation facilities, strengthen agricultural extension services, invest in modern mechanization, and deepen value addition across the agricultural value chain. These actions, he noted, are essential to building a resilient sector capable of feeding the nation and securing the future.
In line with the National Feed Ghana Initiative, SADAM distributed 2,000 bags of MPK fertilizers to 1,000 smallholder farmers. To tackle dry season farming challenges, SADAM is also partnering with the Metropolitan Department of Agriculture to drill 40 solar-powered micro-irrigation schemes across six communities, enabling farmers to cultivate vegetables throughout the year.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Francis Koo, Metropolitan Director of Agriculture, stressed the importance of innovation, sustainability, and inclusiveness in the agricultural sector. He urged that youth and women be given access to modern tools, markets, and knowledge to enhance productivity.
The event also recognized outstanding farmers within the Metropolis. Awardees received freezers, farming materials, wheelbarrows, motorbikes, cutlasses, and other essential tools to support their work. The overall Best Farmer, Chief Salifu Abdulai, was additionally presented with a Moto King, alongside other farm inputs to enhance his productivity and inspire excellence across the farming community.
Speaking after receiving his award, Chief Salifu Abdulai expressed profound gratitude to the Assembly and all stakeholders for recognizing his hard work. He encouraged the youth to venture into farming, noting that agriculture remains one of the most reliable and rewarding sectors. Chief Abdulai, who cultivates rice, maize, cassava, yam, and other crops, said the honor would motivate him to work even harder. He appreciated the gifts given to him and pledged to do more to contribute to food security within the Metropolis.
Source: Adiebuga Philemon.
Dr. Vhim.