The 38th National Farmers Day celebration at Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly was held at Katamanso Presbyterian School Park on 2nd December, 2022. This year’s celebration was on the theme “Accelerating Agricultural development through value addition’’
The Municipal Director of Agriculture, Ms. Hajia Adam Ayi, in her welcome address emphasised that, farmers and fishermen were the backbone of the society because they played an important role towards the development of the Kpone-Katamanso Municipality and the country as a whole. Ms Ayi explained that value addition was very important because it focused on production or manufacturing processes, marketing or services that increase the value of Agricultural commodities. She explained further that it helps farmers to gain more income, create new markets and provide more food for better nutrition to children.
Inspection of exhibits by dignitaries
The Chairperson for the program, Hon. Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo congratulated all farmers and fishermen for their toil and sweat to ensure that there was food for Ghanaians to eat all year round. He said that their hard work and sacrifices for the growth of the nation can never be taken for granted. He added that farmer’s day was celebrated to appreciate the role farmers and fishermen play in the development of the nation. Hon Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo proposed that government and shareholders should provide easy access to market centres for Agricultural products, provide more subsides for farmers and fishermen and extend irrigation infrastructure.
Hon Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo delivering a speech
The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Samuel Okoe Amanquah in his speech expressed his gratitude to all the hard working farmers across the Municipality. He said this year’s celebration was peculiar because there were appropriate procedures and means to ensure that our raw products are converted into semi-finished and processed produce for both local consumption and export. He said the time has come for Ghana to move from mere peasant cultivation of crops to proper mechanization for local consumption and export. He stated that there were efforts intended to end hunger, improve nutrition and promote sustainable Agriculture. Hon. Amanquah highlighted some achievements of the Assembly in terms of Agriculture in the Municipality as provision of support in terms of subsidized fertilizers and seeds. He revealed that a total number of 2,503 crop farmers (males=1,543 and females=960) from the Municipality have received support in terms of subsidized fertilizers and seed. He also disclosed that the supply of Agricultural inputs that is 180 Litres of Eradicoat, 40 Litres of Worrior Super and 30 Kilograms of Bypel were distributed to over 236 crop farmers to control pest and disease on their farms. He also spoke about some of the challenges the Assembly was facing as lack of arable land for farming and mechanization centers. He noted that the amount of land available for farming keeps dwindling gradually due to the rapid expansion of industries and activities of estate developers.
The MCE, Hon Amanquah giving the keynote address
Mr. Hamadu Hamidu was adjudged the overall best farmer in the Municipality. He is 55 years of age and has been farming for 37 years. He is married with 11 children. Mr. Hamidu took home a certificate, a tricycle, 4 pieces of wellington boots, knapsack sprayers, fertilizers, insecticides, wheat brans, wheelbarrow, wax print, cutlasses and assorted items.
Presentation of certificate to the overall Municipal best farmer by the MCE
Mrs. Mercy Woyoe was awarded the Municipal best Woman Farmer. She is 41 years of age and has been farming for the past 18 years. She is married with 8 children and has 3 acres of Land. Ms. Woyoe took home a Certificate, 3 pairs of wellington boots, knapsack sprayer, fertilizers, wheelbarrow, insecticides, wheat bran, cutlasses, watering can and other assorted items.
The Municipal Best Fisherman and Municipal best physically challenged farmers awards were awarded to Daniel Anehor Mensah (Yaa Kwe Nshonaa) and Ms. Eunice Nagadzi respectively.
Display of various food items by exhibitors and farmers
Credit: Information Services Department, KKMA.