The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Oforikrom, Hon. Anwel Sadat Ahmed, has secured and distributed the first batch of fertilizer to farmers in the municipality to support them to increase crop production and improve their livelihoods.
The intervention, according to the MCE, forms part of efforts by the municipal assembly to ensure that farmers have access to essential agricultural inputs to enhance productivity and contribute to food security.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, Hon. Anwel Sadat Ahmed said the Oforikrom Municipality was initially left out of the distribution of fertilizer support to farmers under the government’s agricultural intervention programme.
He, however, explained that through his engagement and lobbying with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, led by the sector Minister, Hon. Eric Opoku, the municipality was eventually considered for the support.
He said he was particularly concerned about the exclusion of farmers in the municipality and therefore took steps to engage the ministry to secure fertilizer for them.
Hon. Anwel Sadat Ahmed disclosed that the latest distribution represented the third time since he assumed office as MCE that he had successfully secured and distributed fertilizer to farmers in the municipality.
He said the repeated interventions demonstrated the assembly’s commitment to supporting farmers and strengthening agriculture at the local level.
According to him, agriculture remained an important avenue for improving the economic well-being of residents, particularly people whose livelihoods depended on farming.
He said providing farmers with the necessary inputs would enable them to expand their farms, improve yields and ultimately increase their incomes.
No political discrimination
The MCE assured farmers that the distribution would be done fairly and without political considerations.
He said every farmer who qualified for the support would have an opportunity to benefit, regardless of political affiliation.
“Every farmer will benefit devoid of politics,” he stressed, adding that the assembly would continue to work to ensure that agricultural interventions reached the intended beneficiaries.
He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the fertilizer to improve production and contribute to the development of the municipality.
Support for agriculture
Hon. Anwel Sadat Ahmed also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and Hon. Eric Opoku for responding positively to the municipality’s request for support.
He said the assembly would continue to engage the ministry and other relevant stakeholders to attract more agricultural interventions to the municipality.
He further encouraged farmers to embrace modern farming practices, adhere to recommended application methods and use the fertilizer strictly for its intended purpose.
The MCE said the assembly remained committed to creating an enabling environment for farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain to thrive.
He explained that supporting farmers was not only about increasing food production but also about creating employment opportunities, improving household incomes and strengthening the local economy.
He therefore called on farmers to take advantage of government agricultural programmes and work closely with extension officers to maximise the benefits of the inputs provided.
The latest distribution is expected to provide relief to farmers in the Oforikrom Municipality and help them improve their productivity during the farming season.
