The National Farmers Day was introduced by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in 1985 to honor farmers and fishermen for their effort and contribution in feeding the country and to reflect on the importance of Agriculture in Ghana. On Friday, 25th November, 2022 Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly marked the 38th Farmers Day at Tontro School Park under the theme ‘’ Accelerating Agricultural Development through Value Addition’’.
The event was led by some key stakeholders in the Municipality including the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Umar Babs Bodinga, Tafo Hene OsabarimaAdusei Peasah IV, Municipal Director of Agriculture Mr. Anthony Narh Nartey, Guest of Honor. Dr. Adu Ankoma of National Development Commission. The Member of Parliament (MP), Hon. Gifty Twum-Ampofo was represented by Director of Nadmo, Mr. Stephen Osei Owusu representative.
During the event, Municipal NADMO Director, Stephen Osei Owusu in his message read on behalf of Hon. Gifty Twum – Ampofo, congratulated farmers for their hard work throughout the year in review. He advised them to ensure higher crop production and in return expect massive purchase from citizens due to the recent ban government had placed on importation of foodstuff. Farmers were also encouraged to form cooperate unions to make it easier to solicit funds to improve farming activities. He said, as a female leader who aims at encouraging other women to achieve higher success, the MP ensured that she fully funded the award category for the Best Female Farmer to motivate other women.
Speaking at the event, Hon Alhaji Babs Umar Bodinga, MCE acknowledged the dignitaries and stakeholders present and expressed his gratitude to all farmers for playing a major role in contributing towards agricultural development of the country. He further advised them to adopt the habit of adding extra value to their raw products in order to attract more consumers to boost their profit margins. Hon. MCE also promised to provide 1000 liters of fertilizers and to ensure that roads in farming areas in the municipality are constructed to aid in the smooth transportation of farm products and other agricultural related goods.
The Chairman of the Occasion OsabarimaAdusei Peasah IV, Tafo Hene commended the hard work of the farmers and urge them to continue making the Municipality proud. He also commended the Municipal Assembly for organizing a colorful and successful event to honor the good work of the farmers.
The Celebration was climaxed by acknowledging and awarding best farmers under various categories. Agricultural Management Information System Officer, Mr. Isaac Amoako mentioned the various farmers within the Municipality whose hard work on their farms had been recognized and deserved to be awarded. This included: -Best Youth Farmer; Mr. Samuel Ayitey, Best Rice Farmer; Mr. Ofori Agyapong, Best Woman Farmer-Leticia Tetteh, Best Agricultural Extension Officer-Mad Faustina Adjei and the overall Municipal Best Farmer was awarded to David Tetteh.
The farmers also expressed their appreciation for the support and encouragement from all stakeholders including the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for their continuous inputs towards their activities. They promised to ensure quality delivery of product from their farmlands to ensure that more food and jobs are created within the Municipality and country as a whole.
Speech by the MCE A speech delivered on behalf of the MP Hon. Gifty Twum
Dignitaries examining the awards for awards for the event. A display of award to be given to the best farmers.
Award presented to the Best Female Farmer. The MCE and the Omahene of Tafo