Patricia Nuamah Wins 2024 Obuasi Municipal Best Farmer

Patricia Nuamah, a 49-year-old vegetable farmer from Adaase in the Obuasi Municipality, has been named the 2024 Obuasi Municipal Best Farmer at the 40th National Farmers' Day celebration.

The event, traditionally held on the first Friday of December, was moved to November 8th to accommodate the upcoming December 7 elections.

As part of her prize, Mrs. Nuamah received a 40-inch LED TV sponsored by AngloGold Ashanti, motorized tricycles (Aboboyaa), two wellington boots, 12 pieces of GTP wax print, one box of Key soap, two knapsack sprayers, machetes, one box of Sunphosate Glyphosate weedicide, and a brush cutter.

In an interview, the Municipal Best Farmer attributed her success to strictly following the guidance of agricultural extension officers, which helped her adopt modern farming technologies. She described the award as a "dream come true" and expressed hope that it would inspire more women to pursue careers in agriculture.

"This award should motivate young women to develop an interest in agriculture, as it is a lucrative and rewarding field," she said.

National Efforts Needed to Combat Galamsey

Hon. Kwaku Kwarteng, the Member of Parliament for Obuasi West, stressed the need for concerted efforts to fight illegal mining, or galamsey, wahich has been destroying farmlands and water bodies. The impact of galamsey has sparked widespread media discussions, with many attributing its rise to the lack of political will to tackle it effectively.

He emphasized that winning the fight against galamsey requires collective efforts from all sectors, including chiefs, the media, the judiciary, security institutions, and the general public. He noted that while the environmental damage from galamsey, particularly to water bodies, is well-known, its devastating effects on crop production, fish consumption, and food security cannot be overstated.

Hon. Kwarteng also commended the farmers of Obuasi Municipality for their contributions to food security and the broader economic development of the region. He congratulated Patricia Nuamah for winning the Best Farmer award, stating that her achievement would motivate more women to venture into agriculture.

This year's 40th National Farmers' Day was celebrated under the theme "Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security." Hon. Elijah Adansi-Bonah, the Municipal Chief Executive for Obuasi, called for collective action and collaboration among all stakeholders in the food and agriculture sector, including farmers, fisherfolk, researchers, extension agents, policymakers, the private sector, civil society, and consumers.

Other awardees included Godfred Nsowah of Mamiriwa No. 2, who came second, Grace Bannor of Mamiriwa No. 1, who was named the Best Woman Farmer, and David Antwi of Adaase, who received the Best Youth Farmer award.