President John Dramani Mahama has encouraged Ghanaians, especially those in formal employment, to venture into agriculture as an additional source of income, stressing that farming is not reserved for rural communities or full-time farmers alone.

Speaking at the 41st National Farmers’ Day Celebration in Ho on Friday, December 5, President Mahama said the perception that agriculture is only for “village folks” is outdated and limiting.

He noted that many professionals—teachers, civil servants, and private sector workers—can successfully combine their regular jobs with farming.

“Agriculture isn’t only for the village folks,” he 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.”

The President emphasised that embracing agriculture as a secondary enterprise would not only improve household finances but also contribute to national food security and reduce Ghana’s dependence on food imports.

He further encouraged the adoption of modern farming technologies, irrigation, and improved seedlings to enable part-time farmers to be productive without necessarily being physically present on their farms every day.

President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that makes farming more attractive and profitable for all categories of workers.