Nana Marfo Payin, Adontenhene of the Bekwai Traditional Council, praised farmers for their selfless service to the nation. He gave the remarks during the 40th Annual Farmers Day Celebration at Baakokrom in Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality on November 8, 2024. He also thanked the attendees and other dignitaries for making time out of their busy schedules to grace the occasion.
Mr. Maxwell Baidoo, MIS Officer representing the Municipal Agric Officer, spoke on “Building Climate Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security.” He recounted the enormous challenges climate change poses, including unpredictable weather patterns, soil degradation, and pest infestation. Such unfavorable climatic changes threaten food security. Therefore, becoming climate resilient is desirable and essential, Mr. Baidoo indicated.
He added that ‘Planting for Food and Jobs Phase Two’ has been successfully rolled out by registering 5,286 farmers across the Municipality. The agency highlighted its collaboration with NGOs and investment in Agribusiness Development.
Hon. Paul Andoh, MCE for Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, indicated that this year’s Farmers’ Day is more significant than ever since it is underlined by a theme that speaks to the very heart of our nation’s priorities and collective responsibilities.
He continued that the theme, “Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security,” reflects the deep commitment of Ghana to an agricultural model that can withstand the challenges presented by rising climate change to sustain food security and economic stability for the present and future generations.”
“Standing as we are at the threshold of a new agricultural era, it is of prime importance that we do not only celebrate present achievements but also build a resilient future wherein farming can be sustainable, adaptive, and climate-conscious,” the MCE explained.
He hinted that he had received several Agricultural inputs and distributed them to farmers. He informed the gathering that both ‘Planting for Food and Jobs’ and ‘Rearing for Export and Rural Development’ have been successfully implemented in the Municipality, empowering smallholder farmers.
“Planting for food and jobs not only acts as a foundation for food security but also as a catalyst in providing jobs, economic growth, and social stability,” Hon. Paul Andoh stressed.
After receiving his prize, Mr. Alfred Asamoah, the overall best farmer, thanked the authorities for honoring him.
He encouraged the youth to venture into agriculture since it was lucrative. He advised them to avoid illegal mining, nicknamed ‘galamsey,’ to protect Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies.
The ‘best farmer’ implored the authorities to institute a proper land tenure system to forestall land litigation. He appealed to the government to assist farmers with credit facilities to boost crop production and animal rearing to sustain food security.
Alfred Asamoah, 42, owns several acres of cocoa, 1000 birds, cassava, yam, and plantain farms. He also rears ruminants and pigs. Mr. Asamoah was awarded a tricycle and other farm inputs.
Other award winners were Mr. Stephen Nsiah, the first runner-up, who went away with a motorbike; Andrews Arthur, the best Cocoa Farmer in Bibiani District; and Peter Kwasi Nkrumah, the Best Cocoa Farmer in Sefwi Bekwai District. All awardees were presented with farm inputs.
Dignitaries at the function included Mr. Joseph Baah-Darko, Municipal Coordinating Director; Hon Augustine Ackon, Presiding Member; Immigration Commander, Forestry Director; and Community Relations Officers from Asante Gold Chirano Limited.
The rest were Nana Kojo Somiah II Abakomahene, Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Council, Nana Agyarko Konfe, Abakomahene, Chirano Traditional Council, Bibiani and Bekwai Police Commanders, Municipal Agric Extension Coordinator, and Fire Service Commander.
