Obuasi Municipal Assembly Honours Gallant Farmers

Twenty six (26) people including farmers, farmer – based organizations, educational institutions, and Agric extention officers were in a colorful ceremony honored at this year’s 34^th National Farmers’ Day in Ntonsua in the Obuasi Municipality.

Mr. Richard Annor, 37 of Binsere was crowned the overall Best Farmer. For his prize, Mr. Annor was given a brand new tricycle known locally as ‘aboboyaa’, bars of key soap, cutlasses, knapsack sprayers and other prizes.

The National Farmers Day is celebrated annually to recognize the efforts and contributions of farmers to national development.

In his address and congratulatory message to farmers on the day, the Municipal Chief Executive for Obuasi, Hon. Elijah Adansi-Bonah said farmers in the Municipality and Ghana as a whole have contributed significantly to national development.

He said “Ghana can boast of minerals such as Gold, Diamond and Oil but Agriculture preceded them all”

Touching on the theme for the celebration ‘Agriculture moving Ghana beyond aid’, the MCE said the NPP Government is committed to break the cycle of over-reliance on foreign aid. In the country’s bid to move Ghana beyond aid, Agriculture remains Key, the Obuasi MCE asserted.

Hon. Elijah Adansi-Bonah again talked about Key Government policies that are expected to bring massive reforms in the Agriculture sector. He maintained the planting for food and jobs programme, the District Center for Agriculture Commerce and Technology (DCAT) which involves nursing Citrus and Palm seedlings for one district one factory in Obuasi.

Government contributions to the Agric Sector

Honorable Adansi-Bonah paid glawing tribute to the NPP Government for its massive investment in the Agric Sector.

He said, currently the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has taken delivery of 216 pick-ups and 300 motor bikes. Obuasi is a proud beneficiary.

One District One Warehouse

In Government’s bid to prevent post-harvest losses, it is committed to build more warehouses in every District. This, the MCE said would lessen the burden of farmers in dealing with the perennial post-harvest losses.

On his part, the Municipal Director of MOFA, Mr. Augustine Antwi lauded the efforts and contributions of farmers in the Municipality. He said “farmers go through a lot to put food on our table so we should celebrate them”.

He seized the opportunity to highlight on Key government policies intended to revamp the Agric Sector in the country. He talked about the newly introduced Community Exchange Programme which would help weigh the quality of farm produce for export. He appealed to farmers to cooperate with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to know the modern form of farming.

On the sidelines after his award, Mr. Richard Annor, the Municipal Best Farmer advised the youth to venture into Agriculture. He said “we should not see farming as a punishment but rather as an economic activity which has enormous benefit”.

The first and second runner up positions went to Francis Oppong Addo and Abraham Kando of Adaase and Nyameso respectively. They took home deep freezer and television and other prizes.

Chiefs, Heads of Department, farming groups were all present.

Signed

(SAMPSON MANU)

MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER

THE REGIONAL INFORMATION OFFICER

INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT

KUMASI

Cc: The Ag. Director

Information Services Department

Accra

The Municipal Chief Executive

Obuasi Municipal Assembly