An 82-year-old farmer, Mr. Abraham Kwaku Adusei from Kwahu Afram Plains, has emerged as the 2025 National Best Farmer, receiving GHS 1.2 million, a tractor, and a full farming package at this year’s National Farmers’ Day Awards in Ho. With 44 years of farming experience, Mr. Adusei manages an impressive 1,000 acres of cocoa, 293 acres of mango, 30 acres of cashew, and several other crop holdings earning him the nation’s highest honour in agriculture.
Forty-eight-year-old Mr. Osumanu Kadri of the Greater Accra Region was named First Runner-up, while 63-year-old Charles Jato from the Oti Region placed Second Runner-up. The National Best Youth Farmer award went to Mr. Reuben Asare of Kintampo North in the Bono East Region, and the National Best Female Farmer recognition was awarded to Madam Grace Owusua Darko from the Ashanti Akyem North District of the Ashanti Region.
This year’s celebration, themed “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future,” emphasized the importance of strengthening local food systems and increasing consumption of locally produced food. The awards were presented by President John Dramani Mahama during the 41st National Farmers’ Day ceremony held in Ho, the Volta Regional capital.
Addressing farmers and stakeholders, President Mahama underscored the importance of agriculture in improving livelihoods and national development. He encouraged salaried workers, including teachers and civil servants, to consider farming as a supplementary source of income. “Agriculture isn’t only for the village folks,” he said. “You can work and still be a farmer… the money from the farm can supplement your incomes.”
He noted that many professionals can successfully combine their day jobs with farming by adopting modern technologies, irrigation systems, and improved seedlings, which allow part-time farmers to achieve productivity without being present on their farms every day. The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making farming more attractive, accessible, and profitable for all categories of Ghanaians.
Meanwhile, Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, used the occasion to appeal to corporate Ghana to collaborate with the Ministry in supporting the agricultural sector. He stressed that the renewed national commitment to agriculture requires broad partnerships to sustain progress. “I want to urge corporate Ghana to partner with the Ministry,” he said.
The Minister also highlighted the crucial role of accurate and timely weather information in modern farming. He explained that climate variability remains one of the biggest threats to farmers, making data-driven agricultural systems indispensable. “Agricultural success today depends not only on land and labour, but on timely and accurate weather information,” he noted, pointing to significant improvements made in Ghana’s agro-meteorological systems.
Established in 1985, Farmers’ Day has grown into one of Ghana’s most important national events, celebrating the contributions of farmers to the country’s economy, food security, and development. This year’s ceremony once again showcased the enduring resilience and innovation of Ghana’s agricultural heroes.
