Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring food security and transforming Ghana’s agricultural sector, noting that the country’s progress depends on empowering farmers and modernizing agriculture.
Addressing the 2025 Asogli Te Za (Yam Festival) in Ho, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang praised Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, and the people of the Volta Region for upholding a cherished cultural heritage that embodies unity, gratitude, and renewal.
She observed that beyond its cultural richness, the Yam Festival also offers an opportunity to reflect on the government’s Feed Ghana Programme, which is designed to boost productivity and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
“Here in the Volta Region, yam has long symbolized sustenance, renewal, and prosperity,” the Vice President remarked. “However, today’s farmers are confronted with serious challenges — unpredictable rainfall, post-harvest losses, and unstable markets. That’s why this government has placed agricultural transformation and food security at the centre of our development agenda.”
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang outlined several interventions under the Feed Ghana initiative, noting that substantial allocations had been made in the 2025 budget to support key programmes such as the Vegetable Development Project and Nkoko Nketenkete for poultry and egg production.
She announced that 5,000 agriculture and veterinary science graduates would be deployed nationwide — including to the Volta Region — to work directly with farmers, provide modern extension services, introduce new techniques, and strengthen the link between research and practice.
She further highlighted special attention to vegetable cultivation, describing it as one of the Volta Region’s greatest strengths.
The Vice President also acknowledged stakeholder consultations in Ho and surrounding districts aimed at encouraging farmer cooperatives and optimizing irrigation systems, especially for yam and rice cultivation.
Describing the Volta Region as a potential “agricultural powerhouse,” she revealed that the government was prioritizing the rehabilitation of underutilized irrigation infrastructure, development of land banks, improved credit access, and agribusiness training to make farming more appealing to young people.
“We must ensure that the youth of Asogli view agriculture not as a last resort, but as a dignified and rewarding career path,” she emphasized.
Linking the spirit of the festival to national renewal, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang referenced the newly introduced Adwumawura Programme — a flagship youth employment initiative spearheaded by President Mahama to promote entrepreneurship and job creation.
Commending the chiefs and people of Asogli for safeguarding their cultural heritage, she urged Ghanaians to combine tradition with innovation in building a resilient and self-sufficient nation.
The 2025 Asogli Yam Festival concluded with a colourful grand durbar featuring a royal procession, traditional displays, and captivating cultural performances. This year’s celebration was held under the theme: “Together in Honesty and Purpose, We Build a Just, Peaceful and Prosperous Nation.”
Togbe Afede XIV, President of the Asogli Traditional Area, expressed gratitude to the gods and ancestors for a peaceful and successful festival.
He renewed his call for integrity and uprightness in national life, quoting William Shakespeare’s famous words: “No legacy is so rich as honesty.”
Togbe Afede lamented that corruption and dishonesty continue to hinder Ghana’s development, saying,
“It is unfortunate that in a nation as religious as ours, corruption has become normalized. We often celebrate wealth without questioning its source and criticize the honest. This mindset must change.”
The Agbogbomefia urged Ghanaians to uphold truth, transparency, and constitutional values, emphasizing that sustainable progress depends on citizens who cherish integrity and accountability.
He further called on traditional leaders within the Asogli State to help resolve chieftaincy and land disputes, stressing that peace and justice are vital for development.
The 2025 celebration also marked the 22nd anniversary of Togbe Afede XIV’s enstoolment as Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State. The event attracted traditional leaders, Ewe chiefs from Togo and Benin, diplomats, and high-ranking government officials.
