82-year-old farmer wins 2025 National Best Farmer Award in Ghana
Agriculture in Ghana continues to shine as a cornerstone of national food security and rural livelihoods, highlighted this year when Opanyin Abraham Kwaku Adusei, aged 82, was named the Overall National Best Farmer for 2025. The award was presented at the 41st Farmers’ Day celebration held on 5 December 2025 in Ho, the Volta Regional capital, and recognises his decades-long commitment to farming and sustainable food production.
Following his recognition, Adusei called on younger generations to reconsider farming as a viable and honourable profession. He described agriculture not simply as a fallback for rural folk but as a credible vocation capable of providing food security, livelihoods, and national prosperity. “Farming has been my life… I want the youth to know that farming is not a punishment — it is a path to prosperity,” he said.
This message resonates with recent emphasis by government leaders to broaden the appeal of agriculture. During the same celebration, the President underscored that formal-sector workers including teachers, civil servants, and private-sector employees, can supplement their income and contribute to food production by combining their regular jobs with farming.
The shift in narrative comes as part of larger efforts to revitalize the agro-sector. According to the Minister for Food and Agriculture, recent policies aimed at supporting smallholder farmers, improving input supply, market access, and value-chain linkages are showing results. Families across Ghana are reportedly experiencing improved food availability, stable incomes, and strengthened rural economies.
Adusei’s victory is emblematic of the resilience and dedication of Ghana’s farming community. Despite advancing age, he remains active, managing mixed crop farms and livestock, a demonstration that farming can be sustained across generations with discipline, innovation, and hard work. His example may serve as inspiration for young and older Ghanaians alike to engage in agriculture beyond subsistence, aiming instead for sustainability and growth.
As Ghana grapples with challenges such as climate change, food inflation, and import dependence, stories like Adusei’s reinforce the importance of nurturing local agriculture. If more Ghanaians heed this call, the country may see increased food security, rural employment, and stronger agricultural output in the years ahead.
