Lawra, Ghana – December 5, 2025 – The vibrant community of Zinpen-Eremon came alive on December 5th as residents and esteemed guests gathered to commemorate the 41st National Farmers Day celebration, led by the Honourable Cecilia Soyelleh Nuratu, the Municipal Chief Executive for Lawra. This year’s theme, “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future,” echoes the government’s commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from the MCE, who expressed her gratitude for the support extended to her by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the President of the Republic, and the Honourable Assembly members. In her keynote address, she highlighted the numerous challenges confronting Ghana’s agricultural sector, including low production rates, high post-harvest losses, inadequate infrastructure, and a concerning reliance on food imports.
She noted the significant post-harvest losses—ranging between 34% to 62% for vegetables and 16% to 34% for cereals—emphasizing the urgent need for improved storage and market access for farmers. Additionally, she raised the alarm on the limited access to agricultural credit, which currently restricts farmers from making essential investments. Data from the USAID Ghana Agricultural Lending Assessment Report 2022 indicated that only 3.5% of total bank lending is allocated to agriculture and fisheries.
In response to these challenges, Honourable Cecilia Nuratu lauded His Excellency John Dramani Mahama’s government for the introduction of the Feed Ghana Programme (FGP). This flagship initiative aims to address the systemic bottlenecks within the agricultural sector and accelerate transformation through policy reforms, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced support for farmers. The FGP aspires not only to boost agricultural productivity and food security but also to increase raw material supply for the agro-industry and create job opportunities.
The MCE revealed specific value chains prioritized under the FGP, including cereals and legumes, vegetables, starchy crops, livestock, and tree crops. She urged the local farmers to engage with the Department of Agriculture to access vital information on the government’s support mechanisms.
Moreover, she shared the exciting news about the establishment of Farmers’ Service Centres (FSCs) in the Lawra Municipality, which will provide farmers with mechanization services, thereby alleviating the burden of high tractor costs. The anticipated development of these centres is set to commence in the first quarter of next year, significantly enhancing the operational efficiency of local farmers.
In a further commitment to agricultural advancement, the MCE announced the Nkoko Nketekete initiative, which will distribute 10,000 birds to farmers across the municipality, bolstering poultry production and increasing job prospects for the youth.
Concluding her remarks, Honourable Cecilia Soyelleh Nuratu encouraged all farmers and stakeholders to embrace the opportunities presented by the Feed Ghana Programme, stressing the importance of collective effort in transforming Lawra’s agricultural landscape for the better.
This year’s Farmers Day celebration not only recognized the commendable contributions of our gallant men and women farmers but also reaffirmed the shared vision of a prosperous, self-sufficient agricultural sector in Ghana.
As the Lawra Municipality moves forward, it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, dedication, and innovation in the quest for sustainable food security and improved livelihoods for all.
For further information, please contact the Lawra Municipal Department of Agriculture or visit the official assembly website.
Siom
