On Friday, November 8, 2024, farmers, fishers, government officials, and community members convened at the Akweley Teachers Credit Union Conference Hall to commemorate the annual National Farmers and Fishers Day. The event, conducted under the theme “Building Climate Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security,” emphasized the necessity of implementing climate-smart agricultural practices to secure food availability and acknowledged the essential contributions made by local farmers and fishers.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Anita Love Obo Amissah, praised the efforts of local farmers in maintaining the country’s food supply. She noted the impact of global warming and called on farmers to be abreast of the times with weather conditions and engage in practices that would help in improving the resilience of crops. Hon. Amissah said the Member of Parliament, Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson has played a crucial role in the procurement of fertilizer supplies for farmers within the district, thereby enhancing crop yields.
The Director of Agriculture, Mr. Alfred Goka, elaborated on the tremendous gains in the agriculture sector. He said that efforts were underway to reduce post-harvest losses so that farmers could store more of their produce for consumption and marketing.
The highpoint of the day was the announcement of winners. Mrs Elizabeth Tei of Small Boy, Kasoa in the municipality was declared overall best farmer and has been farming for more than 36 years. Her farming activities ranges from cultivating vegetables to cereals and also to ruminant rearing. Mr. Gilbert Pastor took 1st runner-up while Mr. Abdulai Ganiyu took 2nd runner-up. The awardees were each presented with a cash prize in recognition of their hard work and dedication.
The dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Siegfried Kwame Addo; the Director of Education, Madam Faustina Alimatu; representatives of the Chiefs; and members of the Security Services, who helped to ensure the smooth running of the ceremony.