Ghana has joined the global community to commemorate World Food Day 2025 with a renewed call for collaboration and unity in transforming the country’s agrifood systems.
Speaking at a national ceremony held at the forecourt of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in Accra, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, urged stakeholders across government, the private sector, and civil society to work “hand in hand” to ensure a food-secure future for all Ghanaians.
This year’s World Food Day is being observed under the theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.”
The Minister said the theme reflects Ghana’s ongoing efforts to build a resilient agricultural sector capable of feeding its people and driving sustainable economic growth.
Hon. Eric Opoku highlighted government’s flagship Feed Ghana Programme (FGP) as a major step toward achieving self-sufficiency in food and nutrition security.
The programme focuses on boosting productivity, strengthening value chains, reducing import dependency, and creating sustainable jobs—particularly for youth and women.
He revealed that over 350,000 smallholder farmers have already received support under the initiative, including improved seeds, fertilisers, and access to irrigation and storage facilities.
Government is also expanding mechanisation services through the establishment of Farmers’ Service Centres across all regions.
The Minister further noted that the Poultry Industry Revitalisation Drive is yielding significant results, with millions of broiler birds now being raised locally to reduce imports valued between US$300 million and US$400 million annually.
Hon. Opoku reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to ensure that no Ghanaian goes to bed hungry, adding that innovation, digitalisation, and climate-smart agriculture are now essential tools for transforming the sector.
He also commended the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as it celebrates its 80th anniversary, recognising the organisation’s continued partnership with Ghana in advancing food security, irrigation, post-harvest management, and livestock development.
“World Food Day reminds us that food is not merely a commodity, it is a fundamental human right,” the Minister emphasised. “Let us stand united, hand in hand, for better food and a better future for every Ghanaian.”
The FAO Country Representative, Madam Priya Gujadhur, also called for renewed global collaboration to build a hunger-free and sustainable future.
Speaking at the celebration, which also marked FAO’s 80th anniversary, Madam Gujadhur underscored the importance of working together for better food and a better future.
She noted that despite progress in food security and agricultural development, millions worldwide still face hunger, high production costs, and the devastating impacts of climate change.
Madam Gujadhur reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting Ghana in areas such as sustainable cocoa agroforestry, fisheries and aquaculture development, and climate-smart agriculture.
She also highlighted the need to empower youth and women in agribusiness as a key step toward achieving Zero Hunger.
The event was attended by representatives from the United Nations, FAO, World Food Programme, Amen-Amen Institute, and other development partners.
Source: Myxyzonline.com/Nana Adjoa Kwakyewaa
