SPEECH BY HON. KWASI ASANTE-BOATENG (ESQ), THE MUNICIPAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR SUNYANI WEST, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 41ST MUNICIPAL FARMERS’ DAY CELEBRATION HELD ON FRIDAY, 5TH DECEMBER, 2025 AT CHIRAA BASIC SCHOOL PARK
NANA CHAIRMAN;
NANANOM;
HON. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT;
HON. PRESIDING MEMBER;
HON. ASSEMBLY MEMBERS;
HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS;
MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE;
FARMERS AND FISHERFOLKS;
DISTINGUISHED INVITED GUESTS;
THE MEDIA;
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
It is a privilege to be part of this year’s National Farmer’s Day celebration in the Sunyani West Municipality. I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to address this important gathering on behalf of H.E., the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama.
Before I proceed, I wish to express my special appreciation to the Hon. Member of Parliament for her giant donation by providing all the awards for the day and indeed the entire Planning Committee (both at the Municipal and Community Level) for organizing this important ceremony. I am also grateful to see our Hon. Assembly Members who are here in their numbers to grace this august occasion.
I wish to add my voice to welcome you all to the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration in the Municipality. The first Friday in December every year has been set aside by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to honour farmers and fisher folks for their relentless efforts in feeding the nation and to acknowledge the vital contributions of a strong agricultural sector to the prosperity of the Ghanaian economy. Without the vital role of farmers and fisher folks, it is certain that we cannot realize the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No.2, which requires that we seek sustainable solutions to end hunger of all forms by 2030, achieve food security and improve nutrition.
Nana Chairman, this year’s Farmer’s Day is under the inspiring theme “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the future”. The theme reminds us that, the destiny of our nation rest firmly in the hands of our gallant farmers and all actors along the agriculture value chain. When our farmers thrive, Ghana thrives; when our fields flourish, our future is secured.
Ladies and Gentlemen, today, we gather not only to celebrate but also to reflect on the good work done by our hardworking farmers and think about ways to improve upon the agricultural sector. Our farmers represent resilience, determination, and sacrifice. In drought and in rain, in abundance and in scarcity, our farmers continue to work tirelessly to feed our homes, support our industries, and sustain our economy. On behalf of the Municipal Assembly, I salute each one of you for your priceless contribution to national development.
Nana Chairman, government’s renewed commitment to agricultural transformation has been expressed through the “Feed Ghana” program. It is a comprehensive initiative designed to boost food production, enhance food security, and ensure affordable food for all households. This program will support farmers and institutions with improved seeds, fertilizers, mechanization services, and extension support and market linkages.
The NDC government led by H.E John Dramani Mahama is doing everything possible to transform the agricultural sector and put it on a sustainable path. The introduction of several flagship projects such as “Feed Ghana Initiative” aims to boost local production; the “Nkoko Nkitinkiti initiative”, which will provide poultry and poultry products. New facilities, including modern processing plants and farmer service centers are being established to support farmers.
Dear Farmers, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, government’s commitment to improving nutrition and livelihood is further strengthened by the “Nkoko Nkitikiti” program which is about to be rolled out in the Municipality. This initiative focuses on increasing poultry production, improving access to quality protein, especially for children, and providing sustainable income opportunity for households. The program is designed not only to boost local poultry supply but also to reduce our dependence on imported poultry products and create a vibrant domestic poultry industry.
Nana Chairman, as part of the government’s commitment to enhancing tree crop production and promoting a sustainable livelihood, I am pleased to announce that 40,000 coconut seedlings have been supplied to the farmers in our Municipality through the Coconut Federation of Ghana. This support is expected to significantly expand our coconut plantation acreage, create jobs for the youth and increase household income. Coconut has become one of the fastest growing export commodities and with the support of the Coconut Federation of Ghana, we are positioning our Municipality to become a major production hub. I therefore call on all beneficiary farmers to nurture these seedlings with care, and ensure best agronomic practices, and take advantage of the market linkages being created. Together, let us build a strong coconut industry that will contribute meaningfully to the “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana” agenda.
Nana Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, to “secure the future” of agriculture means investing in innovation, mechanization, irrigation, climate smart practices and value addition. It means encouraging our youth to see agriculture not as a last resort, but as a dignified and profitable business. It also means strengthening collaboration among government, private sector actors, farmers associations, and our development partners.
Nana Chairman, Agriculture remains the mainstay of Ghana’s economy. The government is mainstreaming technology to improve service delivery, enhance productivity, and increase profitability. This includes using technology for extension services, creating a farmer database and implementing tools for soil mapping and diseases control in the country.
Nana Chairman, empowering our farmers with the knowledge and resources they need is paramount. This includes education and training in modern agricultural techniques, access to credit and better infrastructure such as roads and storage facilities. When we empower our farmers, we empower the nation.
Nana Chairman, the challenges of climate change, pests, and diseases that threaten our agricultural sector are not strange to the Ghanaian farmer. To bolster our resilience, we must invest in research and development to introduce new crop varieties that are more resilient to changing climatic conditions. Moreover, developing a robust insurance system for our farmers can provide them with a safety net in times of adversity. We have to begin discussions with the numerous insurance companies to consider our farmers with regard to protecting them against the unknown since farming is full of uncertainties.
Nana Chairman, in conclusion, our farmers are heroes. Their hands feed the nation, their sweat waters our future, and their resilience keeps Ghana moving forward. I will encourage all farmers, men and women, as well as the youth to take advantage of Government’s initiatives that are geared towards agriculture such as the “Feed Ghana initiative”, “Nkoko Nkitinkiti initiative”, coconut seedlings amongst others.
Government is taking strides to make farming a more lucrative venture which will create more jobs and increase the productivity of farmers. I will encourage the youth to venture into agriculture especially those who are unemployed.
Nana Chairman, as we are all aware, the dry season is almost here and I want to advice farmers to desist from setting fire to cook food on their farms. I will advise you to try as much as possible to send food from your homes. Palmwine tappers should put up best practices while those who hunt for animals should please desist from the usage of fire.
Nana Chairman, as we celebrate farmers today, let us renew our commitment to support them, honor them, and invest in the sector that sustains us all. On this 41st Farmers Day, let us rise with one voice and one spirit to say “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future”.
Nana Chairman, 1st December, 2025 was observed as the World HIV/AIDS day. The Sunyani West Municipality continues to experience the impact of HIV/AIDS, with approximately 1,482 people living with HIV, representing an adult prevalence rate of about 1.43%. Although this is lower than the regional average, it remains a significant public health concern. Key drivers of HIV transmission include unsafe sexual practices, low condom use, limited sexual and reproductive health education, stigma and discrimination. Population mobility related to education, trade, and employment also contributes to the spread of the virus.
While prevalence in Sunyani West is lower than in some other Bono districts, sustained prevention, awareness campaigns, youth-focused programs, community engagement, and adherence to ART remain critical to reducing new infections and supporting people living with HIV.
Let us all help to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, get tested, receive treatment if you test positive, and care for all infected persons, ensuring that no one is left behind, particularly vulnerable populations and youth.
Nana Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, I wish all of us a Happy 41st Farmers’ Day Celebration. I also wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance.
Long live our Gallant Farmers and Fishermen!
Long live Sunyani West Municipality!
Long Live Ghana!
May God bless us all!
Thank you.
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