August 18, 2023463
TWIFO/ATI-MORKWA DISTRICT JOINS GHANA TO CELEBRATE HARD WORKING FARMERS
Farmers day, a yearly ritual to acknowledge the efforts of hardworking and well deserving farmers was introduced by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in 1988. This was to honour farmers and fishermen for their efforts in feeding the nation and recognize the vital contributions of a strong agricultural sector to the prosperity of the Ghanaian Economy.
This year’s decentralized farmers day celebration was organized at the Methodist School Park on Friday 8th November, 2024.
The occasion witnessed the attendance of the Hon. Robert Agyemang-Nyantakyi, DCE, Hon. Coleman (Rep. of the MP), Oseadeyo Kwesi Kenin IV (Ati-Morkwahene), Obrempong Appiah-Nuamah (Twifomanhene), A.M. Awal Suhuyini (DCD) other dignitaries and farmers across the district.
Reverend Obiri Asamoah of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Twifo Praso, commenced the occasion with a word of prayer, after which the exhibited items by farmers were inspected by dignitaries.
Mr. John Tawiah-Aidoo, the District Director for Agriculture in his opening remarks commended the efforts of farmers for their support in fulfilling one of the SDG goals of eradicating poverty by the year 2030.
The district over the years has lost some of its arable farm lands to the activities of illegal mining. Despite this challenge faced by farmers many have been able to utilize the small piece of land available to them to maximise harvest.
The director for agriculture appealed to Nananom to help in the fight against illegal mining as it poses a threat within the district and beyond, and also reserve lands for agricultural use only.
He stressed on the outbreak of Cholera in the Central Region. Even though parts of the region like Awutu East and West and Effutu have recorded cases of the outbreak, Twifo/Ati-Morkwa District are yet to record cases of such. He encouraged all to observe personal hygiene, keep their surroundings clean and consume warm meals as it was one of the ways to fighting Cholera.
In furtherance of the ceremony, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of the district Hon. Robert Agyemang-Nyantakyi acknowledged the efforts of sponsors to making this year’s celebration a success. He reiterated that, farmers quota to Ghana’s food security is making it possible to fulfilling the SDG goal of eradicating poverty by 2030.
Global climate change has posed many threats to crop farming and the government through the Ministry of Environment has introduced several food security measures to curtailing the situation. Agriculture employs about 70% of Ghana’s population this he said as he addressed the gathering.
In 2020, agriculture contributed 19.1% to Ghana’s GDP and is projected to reach 21% by 2025. It is therefore relevant to celebrate farmers on this special day, this he said.
This year’s theme for the celebration “Building Climate -Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security”, proves of governments readiness and contribution to improving climate change and promoting food security in Ghana.
With change in climate not checked, it could lead to low productivity and limited access to technological inputs.
He encouraged farmers to take up farming as a business and not just as a way of life. Government of Ghana has initiatives to helping farmers through affordable funds, insurances, stable pricing for their produce, and training for farmers.
This year alone, the district assembly received from the government of Ghana and distributed 60,000 seedlings to 300 farmers across the district. Also 1500 fertilizers and some fishing tanks were distributed to fish farmers in the district.
Also, fifty (50) youth were trained in aquaculture of which one thousand one hundred (1,100) fingerlings and required feed were given in support of the farming.
In the area of cocoa production, Cocoa has served as a backbone to Ghana’s economy and Twifo/Ati-Morkwa district is a proud contributor to this economic growth.
The district COCOBOD distributed 1.2 million seedlings to cocoa farmers and five hundred (500) youth engaged in artificial pollination to boost cocoa production within the district. Fifty thousand (50,000) liters of fungicide were also distributed to support cocoa production as well.
As this year’s Farmers Day celebration has been met in oneness of love and peace, he encouraged same reception towards the December 7th election. For there’s only one Ghana and one people and a common destiny celebration.
Best farmer of the various category of farming were awarded ranging from best rice, youth, physically challenged, livestock, woman in agriculture, farmer based organization, agriculture staff, cocoa farmer and overall district farmers were awarded accordingly.
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