Tamale, Dec. 5, 2025 – The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) for Tamale, Alhaji Adam Abubakari Takoro, has reaffirmed the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly’s commitment to strengthening agriculture and ensuring food security as Ghana marked the 41st National Farmers’ Day at Datoyili JHS Park.
Speaking at the celebration on Friday under the national theme, “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future,” Alhaji Takoro described farmers as the backbone of the nation and the lifeline of Ghana’s economy, culture, and future survival.
He praised farmers and fisherfolk for their resilience and sacrifices in sustaining the country despite harsh weather conditions and other challenges.
According to the MCE, the theme underscores the urgent need for self-reliance in food production, greater appreciation of locally produced foods, and the development of resilient agricultural systems capable of withstanding climate change, market pressures, and population growth.
He disclosed that over the past year, the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, through the Department of Agriculture and with support from central government and development partners, had rolled out several interventions aimed at improving livelihoods, particularly among women and young farmers.
Under the Savannah Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (SADEP), he said 1,500 farmers across eight communities had been trained in good agronomic practices, helping to increase yields, promote climate-smart farming, and reduce production losses.
In addition, 40 women received groundnut seeds while 50 smallholder farmers were supplied with cowpea seeds under the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme to enhance household food security.
In line with the National Feed Ghana Initiative, the MCE noted that 2,000 bags of NPK fertilizer had been distributed to 1,000 smallholder farmers across the metropolis, significantly improving soil fertility and crop performance.
He further highlighted major improvements in the livestock and poultry sector, stating that through SADEP, 12,700 broiler day-old chicks, 19,150 commercial broiler day-old chicks, and 2,560 guinea fowl keets were distributed to more than 34,000 farmers, the majority of whom were women.
Beneficiaries also received free starter mash, vaccines, and medication to ensure high survival rates.
To promote all-year-round farming and address dry-season production challenges, Alhaji Takoro announced plans to drill six solar-powered micro-irrigation schemes in selected communities across the metropolis.
These facilities, he said, would enable farmers to produce vegetables and staples sustainably throughout the year.
He also mentioned that with support from the MEDIA GROW 2 Project and an American Peace Corps volunteer, the Department of Agriculture had conducted food demonstration sessions for 458 women to improve nutrition, food utilization, and household dietary diversity.
The MCE linked these interventions to the broader national vision of a 24-Hour Market Economy, championed by former President John Dramani Mahama, in which agriculture is expected to play a central role in job creation and sustainable growth.
While celebrating farmers’ achievements, Alhaji Takoro acknowledged critical challenges facing the sector, including climate variability, post-harvest losses, land degradation, and rising food import bills.
He called for increased investment in irrigation, extension services, mechanization, and value addition.
He also urged Ghanaians to change their attitude towards food consumption by prioritizing locally produced commodities such as Ghanaian rice, yam, shea products, vegetables, poultry, and fish, stressing that national development and pride are strengthened when the country consumes what it produces.
The MCE congratulated award-winning farmers and encouraged others to work harder to qualify for future honours.
He assured all farmers of the assembly’s continued support and expressed appreciation for their dedication and contribution to the development of the Tamale Metropolis and the nation at large.
The event brought together traditional authorities, assembly members, agricultural officers, development partners, and media representatives to honour outstanding farmers and reaffirm commitment to building a food-secure Ghana.
Report By: Robicon Mornahson
