Mr. John Yeboah, a dedicated 52-year-old farmer, has been honored as the Best Farmer in the Asokwa Municipality for his comprehensive contribution to agriculture.
Recognition:
Mr. Yeboah was highly commended by the Asokwa Municipal Agric Director, Madam Gertrude Adjei Boateng, for being a “wholesome farmer.”
His extensive operations include the cultivation of vegetables and staple food crops such as cassava, plantain, and maize, alongside the rearing of livestock and poultry.
In recognition of his outstanding efforts, Mr. Yeboah’s prize package included a brand new tricycle, a knapsack sprayer, Welling boots, and a variety of other essential farming tools.
Speaking to this reporter, Mr. Yeboah expressed his sincere gratitude to the Municipal Assembly.
He specifically thanked them for providing crucial assistance, such as fertilizer and other incentives, and for their commitment to visiting farms to ensure the success and well-being of the farmers.
Municipal Chief Executive:
Earlier in the event, the Asokwa Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Amoh Kamel, underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to resourcing farmers to enable them to perform their critical role in the economy effectively.
He highlighted that this year’s theme, “Growing and Eating Ghana for Sustainable Economic Growth,” was timely and relevant.
Hon. Kamel urged the youth and other residents of Asokwa to take a serious interest in agriculture.
The MCE affirmed the government’s readiness to support those who undertake backyard gardening and household poultry rearing.
He mentioned the government’s “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” (Small-Scale Poultry) initiative, which has already begun supplying birds to individuals interested in rearing them at household, community, and commercial levels, as part of efforts to streamline agriculture and sustain the economy.
Furthermore, the MCE appealed to the Chiefs in Asokwa to release lands for agricultural purposes, noting the Municipality’s burgeoning status as the vegetable hub of the Greater Kumasi Enclave.
Member of Parliament:
Addressing the crowd, the Asokwa Member of Parliament (MP) and Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, praised the Asokwa farmers for their commendable work.
She acknowledged the immense daily toil required to ensure a consistent food supply for the community.
Hon. Appiagyei pledged her support, promising to assist them with advocacy and other services, including the integration of technology, to alleviate the difficulties of their work.
“As an MP who values your work as farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock rearers, I am committed to supporting your success and making your work much easier by pushing for incentives and technical support for you whenever the opportunity arises,” the MP stated.
Kaase Chief:
The occasion was chaired by the Chief of Kaase, Nana Mensah Bonsu, who encouraged all Asokwa farmers to maintain their dedication and commitment to providing food for the people.
He also called upon the Municipal Assembly to deepen its focus on the welfare of farmers by increasing the provision of incentives to make their work less arduous.
Special Recognitions:
In addition to the main award, special awards were presented to other deserving individuals and institutions. These included the Best Female Farmer, Best Student Farmer, Best Youth Farmer, Best Municipal Agric Staff, and Best Person With Disability (PWD) Farmer.
Kumasi High School was also recognized, taking home the award for the Best Second Cycle Institution in Farming.
Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,
Kumasi.
