GOODWILL MESSAGE TO FARMERS FROM HIS EXCELLENCY J.J. RAWLINGS ON THE OCCASION OF THE 27TH EDITION OF FARMERS DAY

I join all Ghanaians on the occasion of the 27th edition of the National Farmers Day, to salute the tireless efforts and sacrifices of Ghanaian Farmers, even in the face of challenges confronting Ghana's agriculture.

Your daily toil, under very trying conditions provides our national food needs, raw materials for our industry and export commodities for the needed Foreign Exchange Receipts.

You, indeed, are the great pillars of this country.

Recognizing the vital role farmers play in the economic development of every nation, the Government of the PNDC, under my leadership designated the first Friday of December, annually, to appreciate and reward the immense contributions of our hard working Ghanaian farmers towards the growth and development of our dear nation.

There is still a lot more to do for agriculture and Ghanaian farmers. Provision of rural infrastructure, delivery of appropriate production and marketing technologies and proactive administrative instruments are yet to be accomplished.

All these require investment into well thought out agricultural policy framework and programmes.

I urge the current government to leverage strongly with the private sector to drive capacity building and develop techniques and practices to improve agricultural productivity and alternative income generation for farmers.

The private sector with the support of government should also institute schemes that would encourage young people to embrace farming as a viable source of employment. I also throw a challenge to young people to do away with negative stereotypes about farming and embrace it wholeheartedly for the economic good of Ghana.

God bless you for the sacrifices you endure to put food on our plates.

AYEKOO GHANA AKUAFO!