National Farmers Day Celebration: 39 years of agricultural freedom

Farmers Day is a celebration to acknowledge the contributions of crop farmers and animal husbandry as well as fish farmers to the country’s economic growth.

This holiday is one of the country’s most memorable occasions in its calendar, uniquely celebrated every 1st friday in December. As a result, the date changes annually. However, the celebration is moved to the 1st friday in November during the election year, while the 1st friday in December remains a statutory public holiday.

Farmers Day was first established in 1985 by the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) to commemorate the drought that struck the nation in the early 80s, which resulted in famine. The drought eventually ended in 1984 with the help of the Mobilisation Squad (Mobisquad) and the efforts of farmers and fishers, which catapulted the country’s GPD by 30%. The Mobisqaud was a group of young Ghanaians created by then chairman Rawlings to help with agricultural activities. The leaders of the PNDC decided to honour farmers once in a year, choosing the 1st friday of every December as Farmers Day. During its inauguration at Osino in the Eastern Region, farming items like Wellington boots and other farming gears were awarded to farmers.

The items awarded to the best farmers have evolved over time, which currently includes price money, houses, and outboard motors, among others.

The 2023 Framers Day celebration is themed: “Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience.” As usual, there will be gatherings across the 16 regions where deserving farmers and fishers will be awarded for their massive contributions to their communities and the country.

The output of farmers are undoubtedly significant to the country’s growth, and it is worth celebrating their efforts.