As Ghana marks the 41st edition of Farmers’ Day under the theme “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, and Secure the Future,” Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture John Setor Dumelo has urged politicians and state institutions to take up commercial farming as a practical contribution to national food security and economic growth.

Speaking at a ceremony to honour farmers across the country, Mr Dumelo reflected on the progress made since the introduction of Farmers’ Day in 1985. He noted that the annual celebration has encouraged healthy competition, enhanced visibility for the sector, and motivated farmers to improve their productivity.

He said farmers are increasingly satisfied with government interventions, citing the establishment of farmer service centres, expanded irrigation infrastructure, and funding support for buffer stock purchases to stabilise supply and prices. He also highlighted ongoing initiatives to set up processing factories nationwide and make poultry production more accessible to Ghanaians.

Addressing the persistent threat of illegal mining (galamsey), the Deputy Minister asserted that the current NDC administration remains firmly committed to tackling the problem. He revealed that more than 1,000 water pumps seized from illegal mining sites have been reassigned for irrigation in non-galamsey farming communities.

Mr Dumelo also commended Ghanaian universities for their research presentations during the week, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between academia and agribusiness to drive innovation in the sector.

He appealed for politicians to lead by example, urging all appointed and elected officials to establish farms or processing centres to deepen their appreciation of the sector’s challenges and opportunities. He further proposed the creation of a parliamentary farm as a model and recommended that district assemblies operate farms and processing facilities to stimulate local agricultural development.

Expressing confidence in the current government’s performance under President John Mahama, the Deputy Minister said farmers are optimistic about continued progress over the next three years. He encouraged households to adopt backyard gardening and invited the public to visit farms, assuring them of a warm welcome.

As the nation celebrates Farmers’ Day, his call reinforces the importance of stronger political will and institutional involvement in commercial agriculture to secure Ghana’s food future.