Bongo District in the Upper East Region celebrated the 41st National Farmers’ Day on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Feo, with renewed commitment to strengthening food security, modernizing agriculture, and empowering the next generation of farmers.
The event, held under the national theme “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future”, brought together traditional leaders, state officials, farmers, development partners, and community members to honor the men and women sustaining Ghana’s food system.
Addressing the gathering, District Chief Executive (DCE) Joseph Akasake Abaah underscored the strategic importance of agriculture in Ghana’s transformation agenda. He described farmers as “the backbone of the national economy and guardians of food security.”
According to the DCE, the government of President John Dramani Mahama has embarked on a bold agricultural modernization drive, including the Feed Ghana programme. The initiative aims to boost the agriculture sector, increase food security, create jobs for youth, enhance productivity, reduce import dependency, and strengthen the value chain.
“The government of Ghana plans to establish 50 Farmer Service Centres across the country, including four in the Upper East Region, such as Bongo District,” DCE Abaah said. “These centres will provide farmers access to mechanization services and inputs while focusing on key crops and revitalizing industries like poultry and oil palm.”
The DCE also advised the gathering on the rising number of HIV/AIDS cases in Ghana. “Ghana records 42 new HIV infections among children and adults daily,” he said.
Honouring Outstanding Farmers
Ibrahim Agengre, the district’s best farmer, received a tricycle, two cutlasses, Wellington boots, a bag of NPK fertilizer, and a certificate. Expressing gratitude to the DCE, government, and President Mahama, he urged authorities to address market challenges such as access to tractors, fertilizers, and fair consumer prices. He stressed that food security initiatives will only succeed with stronger support for farmers.
Agengre encouraged youth participation in agriculture, saying, “Farming is a business sector where you can earn money. It is not harmful; it can positively shape your life.”
Other awardees included:
- 1st Runner-up: Adongo Azure Mathew
- 2nd Runner-up: Anabia Roland Adengzire
- Best Female Farmer: Nsoh Atipoka
- Best Female AEA Farmer: Abaah Dorothy Apogkimah
- Best Technology-Adopting Farmer: Azure Yaw Atanga
- Best Youth Farmer: Anaam Moses Agana
Each beneficiary received NPK fertilizer, cutlasses, bars of key soap, Wellington boots, agrochemicals, and certificates.
Celebrating Agricultural Excellence
The district, known for producing pepper, maize, rice, watermelon, and livestock, celebrated under the theme “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future.”
District Paramount Chief Naba Baba Salifu Atamale Aleemyarum commended farmers for sustaining the nation’s food supply and encouraged them to take advantage of government initiatives such as the Feed Ghana Programme, Nkoko Nketenkete poultry project, and Tree for Life afforestation initiative. He also appealed for community cooperation to combat bushfires that threaten farmlands.
Schools were also recognized for excellence in practical agriculture:
- Bongo SHS: Best in Practical Agriculture (Crops)
- Zorkor SHS: Best in Practical Agriculture (Livestock)
- Bongo Soe JHS: Best in Practical Agriculture
- Bongo Soe R/C Primary School: Best in Practical Agriculture
Best female farmer Nsoh Atipoka encouraged women to participate in farming, stating, “Farming is not only for men; women can succeed through hard work and dedication.”
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1Mhz | Moses Azubire Anaba | Bongo
