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40TH ANNUAL FARMERS DAY CELEBRATION:42 YEAR OLD ALFRED ASAMOAH ADJUDGED BEST FARMER IN BIBIANI-ANWIASO-BEKWAI:
The 40th Annual Farmers Day Celebration in Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality was held at Baakokrom on 8th November 2024.
In his welcome address, the chairman of the occasion, Nana Marfo Payin Adontenhene of the Bekwai Traditional Council praised farmers for their selfless service to the nation and also expressed appreciation to the gathering for making time out of their busy schedules to grace the occasion.
Mr. Maxwell Baidoo, MIS Officer representing the Municipal Agric Officer speaking on the theme ” Building Climate Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security” recounted the challenges posed by climate change are enormous including unpredictable weather patterns, soil degradation, and pest infestation are a threat to food security, therefore becoming climate resilient is not desirable but also essential. He added that planting for Food and Jobs Phase Two has been successfully rolled out by registering 5,286 farmers across the Municipality. The agency’s collaboration with NGOs and investment in Agribusiness Development was also highlighted.
Hon. Paul Andoh, MCE for Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, indicated that this year’s Farmers’ Day is more significant than ever since it is underlined by a theme that speaks to the very heart of our nation’s priorities and collective responsibilities. He continued that the theme, “Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security,” reflects the deep commitment of Ghana to an agricultural model that can withstand the challenges presented by rising climate change to sustain food security and economic stability for the present and future generations. “Standing as we are at the threshold of a new agricultural era, it is of prime importance that we do not only celebrate present achievements but also build a resilient future wherein farming can be sustainable, adaptive, and climate-conscious.”
The MCE also hinted that he had received several Agric inputs and also distributed them to farmers. He informed the gathering that both Planting for Food and Jobs and Rearing for Export and Rural development have been successfully implemented in the Municipality, empowering smallholder farmers. ” Planting for food and jobs does not only act as a foundation for food security but also as a catalyst in the provision of jobs, economic growth, and social stability.” He pleaded with the entire Municipality to prioritize peace ahead of the general elections.
Mr. Alfred Asamoah, overall best farmer, expressed appreciation to the authorities for honouring him. He pleaded with the youth to venture into agriculture since it is a lucrative venture and desist from illegal mining activities. He further entreated the authorities to institute a proper land tenure system to forestall land litigation. Credit facilities for farmers were also highlighted. The 42-year-old has several acres of cocoa, 1000 birds, cassava, yam, and plantain farms. He also rears ruminants and pigs. Mr. Asamoah was awarded a tricycle and other farm inputs. Other award winners were: Mr Stephen Nsiah, 1st runner up who went away with a motorbike. Andrews Arthur, best Cocoa Farmer, Bibiani District, Peter Kwasi Nkrumah, Best Cocoa Farmer, Sefwi Bekwai District. All awardees were presented with farm inputs.
Dignitaries at the function were Mr. Joseph Baah-Darko, Municipal Coordinating Director; Hon Augustine Ackon, Presiding Member; Immigration Commander, Forestry Director; and Community Relations Officers from Asante Gold Chirano Limited.
Others were Nana Kojo Somiah II Abakomahene, Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Council, Nana Agyarko Konfe, Abakomahene, Chirano Traditional Council, Bibiani and Bekwai Police Commanders, Municipal Agric Extension Coordinator and Fire Service Commander.
Osei Koranteng.