President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians, particularly those in formal employment, to consider farming as an additional and reliable source of income, stressing that agriculture must no longer be seen as the preserve of rural communities.

Speaking at the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration in Ho on Friday, December 5, 2025, the President said the evolving nature of modern agriculture makes it possible for teachers, civil servants, private sector employees and other professionals to successfully combine their regular jobs with farming.

“Agriculture isn’t only for the village folks,” President Mahama said. “You can work and still be a farmer. Teachers and civil servants can go to work and have farms, and the money from the farm can supplement their incomes.”

He explained that many of the challenges traditionally associated with farming have been eased by the increased availability of mechanisation services, improved seedlings, irrigation systems and digital tools that enable farmers to monitor productivity even when they are not physically present on their farms. These modern systems, he said, make part-time farming more feasible than ever.

The President emphasised that encouraging more professionals to participate in farming would not only improve household finances but also strengthen national food security and reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported produce. He restated his government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment that supports all categories of farmers, including those combining agriculture with full-time work.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, used the occasion to rally corporate Ghana to support national agricultural growth. Addressing the gathering in Ho, he said there was “a renewed national commitment” to strengthening the sector and urged companies to work with the Ministry to expand support for farmers. “I want to urge corporate Ghana to partner with the Ministry,” he said.

Mr Opoku also highlighted the rising importance of timely weather information in agricultural planning, noting that climate unpredictability has become one of the greatest risks facing farmers. “Agricultural success today depends not only on land and labour, but on timely and accurate weather information,” he said, referencing recent remarks he made during the Government Accountability Series Session.

He added that the Ministry has made significant progress in upgrading Ghana’s agro-meteorological systems to ensure farmers can access real-time data that improves decision-making and protects livelihoods.

This year’s Farmers’ Day celebration brought together farmers, agricultural workers, policymakers and development partners in recognition of the pivotal role the sector continues to play in Ghana’s economy. Both the President and the Agriculture Minister reaffirmed that the country’s development ambitions are closely tied to building a resilient, technology-driven and inclusive agricultural sector.