The overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari II, has called on schools in the Northern Region to take farming seriously, describing it as a critical tool for food security and economic growth.

He said school farming can provide nutritious food for students, help address feeding challenges, and reduce government spending on food supplies.

The Yaa Naa made the call when the 2025 National Junior High School Agricultural Award winner, Northern College of Science and Technology, paid a courtesy call on him at the Gbewaa Palace.

He urged chiefs across the region to release land to schools for farming to help boost food production and strengthen agricultural development.

He expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for recognising schools that excel in agriculture during this year’s Farmers’ Day celebrations, which were held nationwide.

The Dagbon Overlord also praised the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, for what he described as practical solutions to Ghana’s agricultural challenges and for organising a successful Farmers’ Day event.

Yaa Naa Abukari II said the recognition given to schools would motivate them to expand agricultural production and contribute meaningfully to the national food basket.

He noted that increased school participation in farming would help improve food security in the Northern Region and across the country.

He encouraged schools to take advantage of government agricultural initiatives, particularly the school farming concept, to scale up production and support national food security efforts.

Ghana’s agricultural sector contributes about 20 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

The country is also estimated to import over $500 million worth of rice, maize and soybean each year, underscoring the need for stronger local production.

This year’s 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration was held in the Volta Region under the theme, “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future.”

The event featured an agricultural fair and exhibition and brought together traditional leaders, farmers, fishers, processors, exhibitors and other stakeholders from across the country.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Yendi, Sugri Muniru, praised Northern College of Science and Technology for winning the award, describing the school as a trailblazer.

He said the institution has helped change the perception that farming is a form of punishment by integrating it into its curriculum.

He noted that the school feeds its students with about 70 per cent of the food it produces, a practice he said aligns strongly with the Farmers’ Day theme.

He recalled President Mahama’s visit to the school in 2024 and commended him for introducing awards for junior high schools engaged in agriculture.

Mr. Sugri Muniru urged stakeholders to celebrate the school’s achievement, saying many districts wish they had such an institution, but Yendi is fortunate to host it.