This year’s World Food Day was launched yesterday in Accra by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and it is slated to take place on October 16 at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA).

It will be held on the theme: “Hand in Hand, For Better Food and a Better Future.”

Established by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in 1945, World Food Day, which is celebrated annually on October 16, is a global observance to raise awareness about hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity while promoting collective action to build sustainable food systems for a better future.

The Assistant Director-General and FAO Representative for Africa, Dr. Abebe Haile Gabriel, commended the government for its bold leadership and commitment to food security, economic transformation, and social stability through its Feed Ghana programme.

He said the theme is a reminder of the importance of collective action and partnerships in achieving agricultural transformation and ensuring food security.

“Transformation is possible when we act hand in hand with governments, development partners, civil society, farmers, the private sector, and of course, the media,” he said.

“We can build a food system that delivers for all — one that embodies better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life,” he added.

He further urged the media to amplify the stories of farmers, innovators, and youth shaping Ghana’s food future and to raise awareness about food safety, healthy diets, and reducing food waste.

As this year’s event marks the 80th anniversary of the Organisation, he stated that “it is a moment to renew our promise to transform agricultural systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life — leaving no one behind.”

As part of the anniversary celebration, he announced that the organisation will host the fifth edition of the World Food Forum in Rome, bringing together governments, global youth, scientists, innovators, and investors to discuss key issues in food security and agriculture.

He said the forum would feature a landmark exhibition, “From Seeds to Foods,” showcasing the diversity of crops, livestock, fisheries, and technologies that transform nature’s bounty into nutritious food.

The Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr. John Dumelo, commended FAO for championing agriculture in the country, pledging the Ministry’s commitment to support FAO for a fruitful organisation of the event.

“We are fully behind it, and we fully support it. As you all know, the theme is ‘Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.’ I am calling on all Ghanaians, diplomats, and development partners to join us in making this a successful day,” he highlighted.

He stressed the importance of efficiency over land size in boosting productivity, saying, “We are not focused on the quantity or size of land, but on efficiency. Some countries with less land produce more than we do. It’s about how well we utilise our resources.”

Mr. Dumelo further urged collaboration across the agricultural value chain — from farmers to retailers, transporters, marketers, market queens, and agro-processors — to work together towards a food-secure future.

He expressed optimism that, with collective effort, Ghana would not only enjoy “food abundance” in the coming years but also develop stronger “food processing capabilities” to reduce post-harvest losses.

BY CYNTHIA ASAMPANA & HERTY BROWN