Farmer’s Day

When is National Farmer’s Day?

National Farmer’s Day is a statutory public holiday in Ghana observed on the first Friday of December.

In election years, the Farmer’s Day celebration is held on the first Friday of November.

History of National Farmer’s Day

Since it was introduced by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in 1988, the first Friday in December has been set aside to honour farmers and fishermen for their efforts in feeding the nation and recognise the vital contributions of a strong agricultural sector to the prosperity of the Ghanaian economy.

A programme of activities takes place to mark the day including prizes which are awarded to deserving farmers and fishers in order of best practices and outputs. A National Farmers Forum takes place at which the award winners can meet policymakers and experts on technological advances in the agricultural sector and also make their views known.

This holiday reflects the importance of agriculture in Ghana. According to the CIA World Factbook, Agriculture accounts for about 20% of GDP and employs more than half of the workforce, mainly small landholders.

Each year the Minister of the Interior declares this day as a statutory Public Holiday and urges the public across the country to observe it as such.