The farming community in the Bole District was soaked in color, celebration, and renewed optimism as the 41st National Farmers’ Day was successfully commemorated at Sakpa, a lively suburb in the Savannah Region. The celebration was held under a national theme that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals of ending hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture, while also reinforcing the government’s “Feed Ghana” agenda—a call for Ghanaians to grow what they eat and eat what they grow.
The event opened on a healthy and compassionate note as hundreds of farmers and residents benefitted from a free health screening exercise organized through a collaborative effort between the Bole District Health Directorate and the Department of Agriculture. Services provided included blood pressure and sugar level checks, as well as general medical consultations, in recognition of the vital role farmers play in national development.
The secretary to the chief of Sakpa, who also chaired the ceremony, delivered a rousing welcome address on behalf of the Sakpa Traditional Authority. He described farmers as the “true heroes of the nation” and expressed the community’s excitement over the president’s announcement of a Farmer Service Center for the area. “The good news from His Excellency the President about the Farmer Service Centre is most welcome. We are extremely pleased,” he said amid loud applause.
In his address, the District Director of Agriculture called for collective effort in the fight against hunger with the prayer, “May Ghana grow beyond food insecurity.” He, however, outlined several challenges faced by farmers in the district, including drought conditions affecting crop yields in the southern sector, the breakdown of the department’s official vehicle, the inadequate supply of farm inputs, and the shortage of agricultural extension officers.
The District Chief Executive, Hon. Abdulai Mahmud, highlighted the importance of the “Feed Ghana” initiative and urged every Ghanaian to take personal responsibility in strengthening the economy through local production and consumption. He announced that the Sakpawura had generously donated 20 hectares of land for the construction of a Farmer Service Centre—a facility expected to significantly enhance agricultural support services in the area.
Hon. Mahmud further revealed new opportunities through the Carbon Credit Initiative, which will allow cashew farmers and other cash crop producers to access farm inputs while earning additional income. He also commended the Star Ghana Foundation for its continuous support in promoting irrigation schemes and school farm gardens across the district.
The Member of Parliament for the Bole-Bamboi Constituency, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, electrified the gathering with an impressive list of developmental projects underway and in the pipeline. He announced that construction of teachers’ quarters would commence before the end of December, with additional facilities planned for Sakpa-Wakawaka, Bodi, Mankuma, and other communities. He further disclosed that officials from the Ministry of Communications would arrive the following week to connect several communities to the national electricity grid.
In the education sector, the MP revealed that 2,000 chairs and tables would be distributed to schools within the constituency through GETFund support, with Sakpa among the beneficiaries. He also stated that this year alone, he personally facilitated the supply of 1,000 bags of fertilizer for farmers in the area, all of which are currently in storage awaiting the next planting season.
Reaffirming the transformative impact of the upcoming Farmer Service Centre, Alhaji Sulemana assured the people of Sakpa of his firm commitment to ensuring the construction of a dam to support large-scale irrigation farming. He used the occasion to appeal for peace among the people of Gonjaland and the Bole Traditional Area, stressing that sustainable development thrives best in a peaceful environment. He also encouraged the youth to apply to the various security services, pledging to advocate for fair representation of Bole youth in future recruitment exercises.
The highlight of the celebration came when Mr. Baaku Sunyazi was adjudged the 2025 Bole District Best Farmer. Clad in his award smock and flanked by jubilant supporters, he received a brand-new motorbike, a deep freezer, Wellington boots, and other prizes in recognition of his exceptional contribution to agriculture.
As the sun set over Sakpa, farmers departed the venue with smiles, renewed confidence, and a stronger belief that their efforts were finally receiving the recognition and support they deserved. Indeed, the message echoed throughout the day was clear: our farmers are our heroes—and Ghana is resolute in its quest to feed itself.
By Abdul-Fatawu Alhassan