The General Superintendent of the Saviour Church of Ghana, Opanin Abraham Kwaku Adusei, has been crowned the Overall National Best Farmer for 2025 at the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration held on Friday, December 5, 2025, in Ho.
The 82-year-old farmer has spent over 55 years in the farming industry, earning numerous recognitions from the district, regional, national, and international levels. His decades of dedication have cemented his reputation as one of Ghana’s most accomplished farmers.
In his acceptance speech, Opanin Abraham expressed deep gratitude to God and to all who have supported the agricultural sector. He stated, “On this momentous occasion marking the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration, I rise with profound humility and gratitude to extend, on behalf of all farmers of our beloved nation, our sincerest appreciation to everyone who has made this day possible.”
He further acknowledged divine protection, saying he “expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for His gracious favour, divine protection, and enduring presence that has enabled them to gather to commemorate yet another National Farmers’ Day celebration.”
Opanin Abraham also praised the government for maintaining the tradition of honouring farmers. He said the “Government of the Republic of Ghana for sustaining this noble tradition of celebrating and rewarding the tireless efforts of our nation’s farmers and fishers. Your continued commitment to the advancement of agriculture remains a beacon of hope for us all.”
Reflecting on his long journey in agriculture, he highlighted his achievements, “I entered the agricultural industry almost 55 years ago, immediately after leaving the university campus in 1968. During the early years of my journey in this industry, I won many district awards. In 2009, I was honoured with the Eastern Regional Best Farmer Award. Four years later, in 2013, the state conferred on me the National Best Cocoa Farmer Award. In 2014, I had the honour of being named the World’s Best Cocoa Farmer at a ceremony held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, during the ICCO Second Annual Conference.”
He added that “Not too long ago, in 2022, the state again conferred on me the National Best Crop Farmer Award. Today, I am profoundly honoured to have been adjudged the National Best Farmer for the year 2025.”
Sharing the honour with the wider farming community, he remarked, “This distinguished recognition is not mine alone. It belongs equally to the thousands of hardworking Ghanaian farmers, men and women whose dedication and sacrifices feed our nation, sustain our industries, and strengthen our economy. To all of them, I say ‘Ayekoo’.”
He extended appreciation to key institutions that contributed to the event’s success, including the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, the National Farmers’ Day Planning Committee, and major sponsors.
Addressing national agricultural challenges, Opanin Abraham appealed for improved irrigation infrastructure. He noted that the Afram Plains, with their vast fertile lands, could become Ghana’s food basket if irrigation access is prioritized.
He welcomed the government’s intention to include such development in the Feed Ghana programme, describing it as “a step in the right direction toward achieving the goals of the ‘Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, and Secure the Future’ agenda.”
He also urged the government to construct a bridge over the Afram River and rehabilitate roads in the Afram Plains, saying these interventions “will not only enhance agricultural productivity but also open up rural economies, create jobs, and transform our nation.”\
He received a tractor, Gh₵1,200,000, and several agricultural items, including boots, cutlasses, and other essential equipment.
In total, 31 individuals were honoured with various awards across different agricultural portfolios.
By Prince Ahenkorah