The people of the Eastern Region joined the rest of the country to observe the 39th edition of the National Farmers’ and Fishers’ Day Celebration under the theme: “Delivering smart solutions for sustainable food security and resilience”. This significant event unfolded in Ofoase, within the Akyemansa District, drawing participants to a meticulously organized ceremony that marked a pivotal moment in the region’s agricultural narrative.
The farmers’ Day Celebration has come a long way. In 1983, Ghana experienced droughts which lead to low crop yields on the farms. Bush fires became rampant burning down forests and farmlands which eventually lead to famine. Government back then put in measures to get out of the situation before it got prolonged. As a result of effective policies, the situation was curtailed and other measures were put in place to alleviate the situation completely. However, some of the policies gave birth to the National Farmers Day which began in 1984. On every first Friday of December, distinguished farmers and those in related fields are rewarded for their efforts and hard work to feed the nation. Four decades down the line, famine has become a thing of the past, hence the importance of the celebration.
The National Farmers’ Day Celebrations have indeed been a motivating factor in the agenda to make farming an attractive enterprise that one can venture into as a country. From the awards of Akasanoma Preset Radio with Wellington boots to bicycles, power tillers, tractors, pick-ups, and a 3-bedroom house, this very brilliant idea was not swept under the carpet as various governments came but has been sustained and seen significant improvement over the years.
Our gallant farmers and fisher folks deserve to be celebrated for the immense contribution towards our quest for sustainable development. Their work provides food for the population. Additionally, they produce raw materials for industries to support the government’s industrialization and diversification efforts. Appreciation went to all Agricultural Extension Agents, District Agricultural Officers, Municipal/District Directors of Agriculture as well as the Regional Director of Agriculture and the entire staff of the Regional Agricultural Department, for their perseverance and devotion that ensured that the Eastern Region was placed ahead of others in terms of agricultural development.
The government of Ghana is committed to the development of agriculture and will continue to commit resources to this all-important sector. Accordingly, the government aims to boost the agriculture sector’s growth, reduce imports and save approximately US$2 billion in the importation of poultry, rice and other food items. Additionally, the government has allocated GH?1billion in the 2024 budget with an additional GH?2billlion expected from the Development Bank of Ghana to bolster the agriculture sector.
The Eastern Region is among the few regions selected to benefit from the Ghana Rice Improvement Project, which is a collaborative initiative between the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) that aims at helping target farmers increase rice productivity from 2.8 to around 30 metric tons per hectare. It is refreshing to note that Besease, a farming community in the Akyemansa District, was selected in the region to host the one-quarter-acre pilot demonstration.
The region has witnessed an impressive 53% increase in the number of fish farmers from 265 in 2020 to 405 in 2023. The fish culture unit currently stands at 733 ponds, tanks, and cages which marks a substantial 40% increase from the previous year. Notably, aquaculture has seen an appreciable increase in production, and we are expecting to hit 47,682.34 metric tons in this year. This demonstrates the dedication and hard work of our extension service delivery to fish farmers.
Innovative technologies to enhance our fisheries sector have also been embraced. The introduction of tarpaulin tanks for backyard farming showcases our commitment to adopting new and efficient methods. Additionally, with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization, eleven fish farmers and processors have received the FAO Thiaroye Technology (FTT) oven. This technology does not only ensure the production of safe smoked and dried fishery products which meets international standards, but also prioritizes the health and well-being of our processors and consumers.
The President of Ghana, Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo, launched the second phase of the Planting for Food and Job initiative which aims to transform Ghana’s agriculture sector over the next five years. It will be important that all stakeholders in pledge their dedication and support as Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) implements a long-term strategy to make agriculture a more attractive enterprise.
The Regional Minister, Hon. Set Acheampong, Minister of Communication and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ofoase-Ayirebi constituency, Hon. Kojo Opong Nkrumah, District Chief Executive for Akyemansa Hon. Paul Asamoah, Eastern Regional Coordinating Director, Mr. John Donkor, and other invited dignitaries went round the stands to see the produce from the farms, statellite markets, new products and technology and also interact with others.
The climax of the event was the awards for the various sectors of Agriculture, such as Farming, Livestock, and Aquaculture. Here are the Regional Award Winners and the presenters.
1. Benjamin Blackie Forson – Reg. Best Overall Farmer – Kwahu Adawso Kwahu South presented by Hon. Regional Minster
2. Ama Ohenewaa Ahiamale – Reg. Best Female – Peace Town, Akyem Abuabo – presented by BCMA Nana Chia Hemaa
3. Victor Mensah – Reg. Best Livestock Farmer – Pakro Thomas – Akuapim South
Presented by Hon. MP for Ofoase-Ayirebi constituency Kwadwo Oppong Nkrumah, MP, Akyemansa District
4. Samuel Larweh Narkotey – Reg. Best Physically Challenged – Nobi – Abuakwa North
presented by ACP Ohene – Boadi Bossman –Reg. Police Commander, Eastern Region
5. Victoria Beyuo – Reg. Best AEA – Akyem Asene, Asene Manso Akroso presented by
Reg. Coordinating Director – Mr. John A. Donkor
6. Gye Nyame Rice Farmers’ Association – Reg. Best EBO – Akyem Besease Akyemansa
Presented by WOPROFERT TEAM led by Nsia Opare
7. Samuel Nii Okai Koi – Reg. Best Crop Farmer – Akwadum, NJNMA
8. Michael Eduodzi Azaglo – Reg. Best Youth – Akyem Asuom presented by
Akyemansa Youth Employment Director – Mr. Mohammed Awal
9. Ishmael Kwao Boafo – Reg. Best Agric Processor – Somanya – Yilo Krobo
10. Lydia Gyebi Asare – Reg. Best Fisher – Ofoase Akyemansa
Here are some of the award pictures.
The 39th edition of the National Farmers’ and Fishers’ Day Celebration in the Eastern Region stands as a testament to the resilience, dedication, and progress achieved in Ghana’s agricultural sector. From its humble origins in response to a challenging period in 1983, the National Farmers Day has evolved into a pivotal event, celebrating the hard work and achievements of our gallant farmers and fisher folks.
The National Farmers’ and Fishers’ Day Celebration in the Eastern Region not only serves as a platform to honor the hardworking individuals who feed the nation but also highlights the strides made and the collective commitment to building a sustainable and resilient agricultural future for Ghana. As we celebrate the achievements of the past, let us look forward to a future where agriculture continues to thrive, contributing significantly to our quest for sustainable development.