President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has addressed the pressing challenge of climate change and its adverse impacts on agriculture in Ghana highlighting the vulnerability of the country’s agricultural sector to extreme weather conditions.
These conditions such as erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures threaten food security and undermine agricultural productivity.
Speaking during the 40th National Farmers’ Day celebration under the theme “Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security,” the President underscored the need for proactive and innovative measures to equip farmers with the tools and resources necessary to adapt to these challenges.
The President also stated the importance of building community resilience adding that through various training programmes, farmers are learning to adopt climate-smart techniques such as adjusting planting schedules, managing water resources more efficiently, and employing conservation practices.
He said these programmes aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of farmers, empowering them to navigate the challenges posed by climate change.
President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and emphasized that the country’s efforts in water management, soil health, climate-resilient crops, and infrastructure development are positioning it as a leader in climate-smart agriculture across Africa.
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong on his part stated that despite the drought in the northern part of Ghana, crop production increased.
He said the government has intensified the promotion of climate-smart agriculture in Ghana including the introduction of draught tolerant crop varieties, early maturing and high-yielding seeds to make agriculture more resilient.
Nana Owusu Achiaw from the Sekyere Central District in the Ashanti Region was adjudged the Overall Best National Farmer for 2024 at a gala dinner at the Alisa Hotel in Accra.
For his prize, he took a cash of GH¢1 million sponsored by the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC.
After receiving his awards, he stated that the current changes in climate coupled with human activities pose a threat to food security in the country.
He therefore stressed the need to invest in local farming to make sure Ghana can produce enough food for itself thereby lessening its dependence on food from other countries.
Nana Owusu Achiaw therefore urged both the government and stakeholders within the business field to work together to create a stable and stronger agriculture system in Ghana.
Read also: Government launches two essential planning frameworks
Source: Anthony Sasu Ayisadu/ATLFMNEWS
