Eno Ofori-Atta, Deputy Managing Director of ADB PLC, presenting the cheque to Yaw Frempong Addo
AHEAD of this year’s National Farmers’ Day celebrations, the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), has presented an amount of GH₵1 million to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), to support activities marking the event.
The event is held annually to celebrate the invaluable contribution of local farmers to the Ghana’s socioeconomic development while aiming to harness the power of innovation and technology to improve farmers’ yields and food sustainability.
At a brief presentation ceremony in Accra, Deputy Managing Director of ADB PLC, Eno Ofori-Atta, reiterated the commitment of the bank to enhancing investment in the agricultural sector to “improve food security, provide raw materials to agro-based industries and create employment to the teeming youth in the country.”
Deputy Minister of MoFA, Yaw Frempong Addo, who received the dummy cheque on behalf of his outfit, expressed the ministry’s gratitude and that of government for the gesture.
He said the celebration was an opportunity to remind stakeholders and the citizenry of the need to stand in solidarity with hardworking farmers whose sacrifices, perseverance, and tireless efforts had ensured food sustenance in the country saying, “Ghana cannot take for granted, the constant supply of our food and nutritional needs by our farmers despite the numerous challenges they face.”
He also intimated that despite the hikes in food prices, food was largely available and accessible, adding that government was working hard to address the challenges and ensure food affordability in the country.
This year’s celebration, which would be the 39th, would be held under the theme: “Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience.”
Activities
The Deputy Minister, who also doubles as the Chairman for the Planning Committee for this year’s celebrations, announced that activities marking the celebration would include a 5-day exhibition of agricultural products at the ministerial enclave, dubbed “Agrifest” from November 27 to December 1, 2023.
“Agribusinesses from all 16 regions would come on board to exhibit their agricultural products and show to the whole world what Ghana is doing in terms of food security. There will also be a special desk placed at a vantage point to explain phase two of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme to the citizenry for better understanding and participation, so that Ghana will completely end or reduce the importation of food items.”
There would also be a float through the principal streets of Accra for awareness creation; as well as the setting up of a farmers’ market at the Black Star Square, in Accra.
The celebrations would be climaxed with an awards night at the University of Mines and Technology (UmaT), Tarkwa in the Western Region, where nominees would be invited to receive awards.
The minister appealed to corporate organisations and stakeholders to support this year’s celebrations, saying: “We are ready to receive donations. We are appealing to everyone to come on board as it is always done over the years to help make this year’s event a success.”
BY Nii Adjei Mensahfio