Josiah
At 82 years old, Opanyin Abraham Kwaku Adusei has shown the nation that passion and dedication have no expiration date. The veteran farmer was celebrated as Ghana’s Overall National Best Farmer for 2025, earning thunderous applause as he stood tall among his peers.
He wasn’t the only one honoured. Osman Kadiri took the position of first runner-up, while 63-year-old Charles Gyato from the Oti Region claimed second runner-up. Together, the three represent decades of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to feeding the nation. They each received cash prizes—tokens of appreciation for their priceless contributions to Ghana’s agricultural growth.
The awards were presented by President John Dramani Mahama during the 41st National Farmers Day celebration in Ho, where the atmosphere was filled with pride, colour, and deep respect for the country’s food producers.
Addressing the gathering, the President challenged old stereotypes about farming, describing the idea that agriculture is meant only for “village folks” as outdated. He encouraged teachers, nurses, civil servants, and other professionals to consider farming as a meaningful and profitable venture.
He also touched on a major pain point for many farmers—high-interest loans. According to him, too many hardworking farmers end up “working for the banks” because loan repayment rates swallow most of their profits. He stressed the need for accessible, single-digit interest credit to allow farmers to expand, invest, and truly thrive.
On infrastructure, the President highlighted the impact of the “Big Push” initiative, noting that the Volta Region has benefited significantly from new road projects designed to open up communities and boost agricultural productivity.
Earlier, Minister for Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku paid tribute to the millions of Ghanaian families who depend on farming. He said recent agricultural policies are not just boosting yields—they are transforming homes. From improved food availability to increased incomes for farmers, processors, and traders, he noted that the positive changes are being felt across both rural and urban communities.
“Our policies are affecting homes,” he said. “Families are seeing real improvements in their daily lives.”
This year’s celebration served as a reminder of the heart and humanity behind Ghana’s agricultural sector—a sector built on the backs of farmers like Opanyin Adusei, whose lifelong commitment continues to nourish a nation.
Source:Omanghana.com
