The Western North Regional Minister, Mr. Petty Wilbert Brentum has charged Ghanaians to consume locally produced foods to boost economic growth and create sustainable jobs for the youth.
He said the consumption of locally produced food will also ensure good health for Ghanaians and foster economic stability.
The Minister made this called at the 41st National Farmers Day Celebration held at Sefwi Surano “A” in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region, under theme; “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future.”
He praised farmers for their resilience and contribution towards the local economy, noting that the theme underscores Ghana’s commitment to ensuring food security.
He said the interventions under the NDC government’s , Agriculture Modernization Agenda, including poultry initiatives, the Agricultural Modernization Fund, mechanization services, irrigation development, youth agribusiness projects, and support for value addition and agro-processing aimed at reducing imports, boost local production and creating employment.
He further lamented how illegal mining has destroyed our lands and water bodies, which in turn has had adverse effects on farming.
“Galamsey menace and climate change have also affected cocoa production in the Western North Region, he underscored, calling on traditional rulers to support the government to curb the canker.
Mr. Samuel Patrick Afari Acheampong, Municipal Director who doubles as the Acting Western North Regional Director of Agriculture, highlighted inadequate agric extension officers, making it difficult for their extension visibility, logistical, financial constraints as a major challenge facing the agric sector to accomplish its target.
He appealed to the government to prioritize deploying of Agric extension officers to the region to enable the Agric Department to function effectively.
A 43-year-old farmer, Mr. Peter Adowa from Sefwi Debiso in the Bia West District was crowned the regional overall best farmer at the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration in Surano “A”Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality.
Mr. Adowa cultivates 42 acres of plantain, 11 acres of cassava, 9 acres of yam, 110 acres of maize, 41 acres of rice, 4 acres of cocoyam, 7 acres of beans, 4 acres of cabbage, 18 acres of ginger, and 96 acres of cocoa.
He also keeps 46 cattle, 42 goats, 31 sheep, 240 turkeys, 811 local birds, 87 guinea fowl, 26 grass cutters, 18,000 catfish, and 7,200 tilapia.
As the winner, Mr. Adowa received a certificate, a tricycle (Aboboyaa), 5 pairs of Wellington boots, 2 knapsack sprayers, 4 cutlasses, 2 boxes of weedicides, and other farm inputs.
Mr. Gyasi Newlove also emerged the overall Municipal Best Farmer in Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality, received similar items. A total of 36 outstanding farmers were honoured.
“After receiving the award, Mr. Adowa expressed gratitude to the District Agriculture Department and Western North Regional Minister, Mr. Petty Wilbert Brentum, for their support.
He also encouraged the youth to venture into agriculture, citing its numerous benefits.”
The event was chaired by Okogyeman Kwaku Gyamprah III, Paramount Chief of Sefwi Chirano Traditional Area, who commended the NDC led administration agricultural initiatives gears to boost the local economy and creating jobs.
He mentioned hailed President John Dramani Mahama for his bold decision to prioritize farming by establishing over 70 thousand corporatives farmers nationwide to boost their ability to access resources and other support services.
Okogyeman Kwaku Gyamprah lll, urged to take advantage of the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Poultry initiative, aims to reduce imports.
By: Daniel Akwasi Nuako, Bibiani
