The 37^th edition of the national farmers’ day celebration is scheduled to take place on the 3^rd of December 2021. The main event this year will be held in Cape Coast, the central regional capital of Ghana. However, the ministry of food and agriculture outlets in other districts will collaborate with their district assemblies to organize local events to celebrate efforts of their farmers.

Ahead of the main event tomorrow, a visit to the event ground shows exhibitors with different kinds of items on dispaly. These items all made or manufactured in the country, range from farm inputs such as seeds and agrochemicals, also plant and animal produce and their by-products from individuals or companies. The fashion industry and corporate organizations are also represented.

Abigail Koomson, owner of Kalaps Natural Fruits Drinks, producers of local beverages and natural fruit juice says she hopes to have more people embracing her kind of products and also to create the impression that Ghanaian products aren’t inferior as most think it to be. She had displayed various beverages including that of tigernut, orange, ginger, pineapple and hibiscus (sobolo) in dispensers and seemed to be enjoying good patronage.

Young entrepreneur, Ebenezer Sam Otoo who had displayed his products  on a table, spoke about  the processes the raw materials  he uses go through before reaching the finished state. On his table, he had red oil (zomi) in gallons and locally made soap (alata samina) made from cocoa husks. He told Love for Science that his oils are very good and healthy for consumption, just as his soaps are healthy for the skin.

“The soap is medicinal; it’s used for bathing and also to treat some skin diseases and infections. It gives a smooth skin tone as well”, he said. He added that a few people had come to his stand to find out about his products and promised to be back to patronize some. “They say they didn’t actually prepare, but then will be back to buy something, so we’re just hoping it happens so”, he added.

However, Regina Amissah of Tommy’s Fingerlings, who had displayed live catfishes in water-filled transparent containers and smoked ones on the side didn’t seem the least happy. She said her expectations were not being met with the market. According to her, she hoped to have restocked her fishes by Wednesday but that hadn’t  been possible and had resulted in the death of some fishes of the stock.

Media Billo, organizers of the Miss Agriculture Project Pageant were also spotted with the winners of the 2021 event. The ladies were seen  in their crowns and sashes at their stand where they had some  fresh vegetables from their farms on display. They said they felt encouraged by the approach people were making towards their produce and noted that they were hoping to have more people come around for the main program so they can get to build more connections.

Being the World AIDS Day, the Ghana Aids Commission also used the opportunity to attract the public to check their HIV status for free. Joana Mensah, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the region explained that it is important for the public to know their HIV status. She said that they began the services at the event grounds and other areas in the Cape Coast metropolis on Monday but had to intensify it on Wednesday to commemorate the World AIDS day celebration while also offering everyone the opportunity to know their status.

She ended by saying “We have an impressive turnout and we know that on the D-day when we have the durbar, we are going to have more people who will come in and get tested, and that is how we want to go. When a lot of people know their status, it will help us in achieving the 2030 target of having an HIV free generation”.

This year’s celebration is organized by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Ghana Cocoa Board.  The theme is Planting for Food and Jobs- Consolidating Food Systems in Ghana. The president, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo is the special guest of honor for the grand durbar and awards ceremony on Friday.

Video credit: TV UCC