The 37th National farmer’s day celebration at Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly was held at the town park in Gbetsile on Friday 3rd December, 2021. This year’s celebration was on the theme “Planting for food and Jobs-consolidating food systems in Ghana.”
Hon. Samuel Okoe Amanquah (MCE) delivering his speech
The Municipal Director of Agriculture, Madam Ernestina Agyiri, in her welcome address rendered her gratitude to all dignitaries present. In her speech, she emphasize that, farmers and fisher folks play an important role towards the development of Kpone-Katamanso municipality and the country as a whole. Madam Agyiri highlighted on some success stories and challenges within the Agric sector of Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly over the years. Madam Ernestina educated the audience on some benefit farmers received from planting for food and jobs which included fertilizer and seed subsidy from the Government. She indicated that, 1,200 males and 625 females making a total of 1,825 farmers have benefited from it. Also she stated that, 200 farmers are beneficiaries of Ghana Peri Urban vegetable value chain project and 265 farmers-10 institutes have been registered to benefit from free distribution of improved varieties of coconut and mango seedlings under the planting for export and rural development (PERD). She explained further that, 250 livestock farmers have been registered under rearing for food and jobs (RFJ) which is to promote the production of poultry and pigs. She also mentioned the collaboration of the veterinary unit with Ghana poultry project to assist veterinary officers in offering health care for local household in the municipality as well as the world rabies day which was held by the Assembly for free Anti-Rabies vaccination for 1,700 pets. Touching on women in Agriculture, she stated that, 177 women in Agriculture were trained on preparation of fruit juice using orange and fresh sweet potatoes. Madam Ernestina point out some challenges facing farmers across the municipality as zoonotic diseases of livestock, frequent dog bites leading to increase in rabies, farmers folding up due to inability to affect arable lands, among others.
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 unique because its marks the first farmer’s day celebration he was celebrating upon his assumption into office as the Municipal Chief Executive. He said, the introduction and implementation of flagship policies in the year 2017 such as planting and rearing for food and jobs, one village one dam and others were made to modernize agriculture. Hon. Amanquah further explained that, under the leadership of his Excellency Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo- Addo, key opportunities have been identified to assist and boost the Agriculture sector. He added that, the Government intends to capitalize in the Agricultural sector to consolidate food system. Speaking on food chain the MCE said, the 2022 budget will bring more joy to farmers and all sectors in the Agricultural value chain.
Dignitaries inspecting the exhibits provided by the farmers
Mr. Daniel Kofi Agyei was adjudged the overall best farmer in the Municipality. He is 46 years of age and has being into farming for 15years. He holds Masters in I.T. BSc in construction and now a project manager at Regimanuel Estate; owns restaurant and a cook himself with 2 permanent workers and 5 casual workers. Mr. Agyei took home a tricycle, 4 pieces of Wellington boots, knapsack sprayers, fertilizers, insecticides, wheat brans, wheelbarrow, wax print, cutlasses, veronica bucket, salt, fruit juice and assorted items.
Presentation of the best farmer award to Mr Daniel Kofi Agyei by the MCE.
The 2nd best municipal farmer, Madam Rebecca Marmle Kudadjie. A woman of 56years of age with over 30years experience in farming. She holds a Middle School Leaving Certificate. Items awarded to her were double door fridge, wellington boots, knapsack sprayers, fertilizers, insecticides, wheat bran, wax print, cutlasses, radio, watering can, veronica bucket, salt, fruit juice and assorted items.
Mr. Sulemana Wahab, 47 years of age was awarded the 3rd best municipal farmer. He has being into farming since childhood. He won mattresses, wellington boots, knapsack sprayers, fertilizers, wheelbarrow, insecticides, wheat brans, wax print, cutlasses, veronica bucket, watering can, fruit juice and assorted items
Present at the event were chiefs, queen mothers, the Member of Parliament for Kpone-Katamanso Constituency, religious bodies, heads of department and unit of KKMA and the media.
The following organizations contributed towards the farmers’ day celebration;
Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority
Crocodile Matchets
Blowchem Industries GH. Ltd
Cocoa Processing Company
B5 Plus Ltd
Sunon Asogli Power GH. Ltd
Pioneer Food Cannery
Food Expert Company
Selinate Company LTD
Tradepass Company LTD
Melcom Ghana Ltd
Sentuo Ceramics
JK Horgle
Macks Commodities
Nero Water Company
Huankrong Ltd
CIMAF Ghana Ltd
Golden Africa Soap Industries
Alteco Company Ltd and Jay Kay Industries
Jay Kay Industries