The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has assured that all donations received towards this year's National Farmers' Day celebration will be fully accounted for and used to benefit Ghanaian farmers.

Speaking during a meeting with Olam Agri Ghana ahead of the celebration, the Minister, Eric Opoku, said the Ministry serves only as a conduit of support to the farming community.

"We want to assure you that we here at the Ministry serve merely as a conduit. Everything donated towards this celebration will go to the beneficiary farmers and at the end of the day, we will in public account for every pesewa donated," he said.

He announced that this year's celebration will be held on 4th December, 2026 in Sunyani, the Bono Regional capital, adding that preparations are underway and all partners have been invited to support the noble cause.

According to the Minister, this year is special following the challenges faced in 2024 including the Akosombo spillage which devastated farms and the dry spell in the northern part of the country which took away the livelihoods of many farmers.

He said on assumption of office, government has put in place radical measures to ensure sufficient food production including the implementation of the Feed Ghana programme.

"Within one year of the Feed Ghana programme, we are happy to report that Ghana is now producing more than we need when it comes to maize, soya and some other crops. In 2025 alone, we produced over 4.6 million tonnes of maize against a national demand of 3.6 million tonnes," he disclosed.

He noted that the bumper harvest has reflected in the price of maize which has dropped from GH¢1,600 per 100kg bag to GH¢300, but cautioned that without proper processing and off-take arrangements, farmers could suffer.

To motivate farmers to continue investing in agriculture, the Minister revealed that the President has approved an enhanced package for the national best farmer.

"This year, the National Best Farmer will be given GH¢1.2 million cash to put up at least a three bedroom house for the family. In addition, he will receive a brand new 4x4 pickup vehicle, a tractor with all accessories and assorted agricultural inputs," he announced.

He added that to expose the farmer to best agricultural practices, the national best farmer and his spouse will be sponsored on a seven-day all expenses paid trip to Italy by a private entity.

"This is an indication that as soon as you emerge as National Best Farmer, you have crossed the threshold of poverty," the Minister stated.

He further noted that similar attractive packages are being prepared for other award categories as government transitions agriculture from a mere survival activity to a well-paid business enterprise to attract the youth into the sector.

He concluded by inviting all partners and Ghanaians to Sunyani on December 4th to celebrate and honour Ghanaian farmers.