Celebration of the National Farmers' Day has begun in Bolgatanga in the Upper East region despite the absence of President John Dramani Mahama or Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur. 

Either of them was expected to join the traditional leaders and the people of Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region for this year’s celebration.

But Joy News' Albert Sore reports that due to bad weather none of them could fly to the region for the celebration.

The National Farmers’ Day is commemorated each year on the first Friday of December to honour Farmers and fishers in the country.

Open gatherings are held in district and regional capitals across Ghana to award prizes to deserving farmers and fishers.

This year’s National Farmers’ Day celebration has been themed: “Transform Ghana: Invest in Agriculture.'

The absence of the president notwithstanding, the Agric Minister, Fifi Kwetey, the Interior Minister, Mark Woyongo, the Upper East Regional Minister, James Zuugah Tiigah and his Deputy, Daniel Symeare are at the Bolgatanga Girls' SHS park to grace the occassion.

Also present are Mustapha Ahmed, Hannah Bisiw, Sherry Ayittey. 

A truch, a toyota pick up, tree-wheeled vehicles, chest freezers, fishing floats and many other items have been lined up to be awarded to deserving farmers.

A similar gathering is being held at the Techiman Methodist park in the Brong Ahafo region for the celebration.

The Regional MinisterEric Opoku has encouraged the youth in the region to embrace the numerous opportunities in the agricultural sector to create self-improvement.