Dr. Maurice Jonas Woode the Chief Executive of the Akrofuom District Assembly has been adjudged the 2024 Best district coconut farmer at the district national farmers’ day celebration held at Nkoranza in the Akrofuom district.
The DCE who has built a reputation for himself for his interest in Agriculture currently has 17 acre of coconut farm as well as 10,000 tilapia and 40 acre cocoa farm to his credit.
Emmanuel Ofori from Bekawopa in the Grumesa electoral area was named the overall district best farmer. He received mouthwatering prizes, including a tricycle, weedicides, a seed planter, a knapsack sprayer, bars of Key soap, a Wellington boot, GTP wax fabric, a cutlass, a sharpening stone, and a television.
Dr. Maurice Jonas Woode congratulated the farmers for their hard work and contributions to food security.
He highlighted the role of the “Planting for Food and Jobs” initiative in ensuring food availability during the COVID-19 pandemic when imports were limited. He noted that Ghana’s farmers have even contributed to the export of food items like plantain.
The DCE mentioned the challenges of cereal farming in the district due to limited lowland areas but acknowledged the efforts of farmers in Bekawopa and Agyeikrom who continue to grow cereals.
He emphasized the importance of engaging the youth in farming to replace the aging farmer population.
He explained that award-winning farmers are selected based on recommendations from extension officers, who evaluate good farming practices.
The Dce further urged farmers to collaborate with the officers to improve productivity. He also highlighted on the second phase of the “Planting for Food and Jobs” initiative, where farmers only need to secure land, and all necessary inputs will be provided by the aggregator.
He encouraged the youth to take advantage of this opportunity, highlighting the profitability of farming.
Nana Owusu Sekyere II (Asaasehene), encouraged the youth to engage in farming, emphasizing its potential to enhance food abundance and create employment.
He also urged local chiefs to provide land and support to those interested in agriculture, pointing out that farming should not be seen as a low-level job but as a profitable business.
Nana Owusu Sekyere II also called for unity and peace in the district, particularly with upcoming elections, to prevent potential conflicts. He appealed to the District Chief Executive (DCE) and the assembly to inaugurate a newly constructed public toilet in the Nkoransa community, emphasizing its urgent need.
In his speech, the Best Farmer, Mr. Emmanuel Ofori, thanked the DCE, extension officers, veterinary officer, district chiefs including Nana Akoto, and his community members for their support. During an interview, Mr. Ofori shared that he chose farming alongside his pastoral duties to increase food availability and provide jobs for needy church members. He revealed that he had previously been recognized as the Best Rice Farmer in 2019 and as the Best Aquaculture Farmer.
Mr. Ofori started farming at a young age and aims to become the Best Farmer at the national level. He encouraged pastors in Ghana to consider additional occupations, particularly farming, due to the country’s abundant land.
He was convinced that this would not only increase food production but also provide income and job opportunities for church members.
Overall, the 40th Farmers’ Day celebration in the Akrofuom District highlighted how important farming is and the great work local farmers do to provide food and help the economy grow. It showed the district’s dedication to helping and encouraging farming in the area.
Desmond Forson
Akrofuom
