The 41st National Farmers’ Day celebrations reached a pinnacle with a grand ceremony wherein Mr. Alexander Obeng affectionately known as Dada Alex a distinguished son of Mampong in the Mampong Municipality was bestowed the prestigious honor of Mampong Municipal Overall Best Farmer. This esteemed accolade was conferred upon him in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the agricultural sector epitomizing the Municipality’s unwavering commitment to fostering agricultural excellence and innovation.
The ceremony held at Difie Square in Mampong brought together esteemed dignitaries, farmers and stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of outstanding agriculturalists in the Municipality. In addition to Dada Alex’s crowning achievement, 14 other exceptional farmers were also honored acknowledging their tireless efforts and dedication to driving agricultural growth and development in the Municipality. This recognition serves as a testament to the Municipality’s resolve to promote and support the agricultural sector a key driver of the local economy and a vital component of national food security.
The farmers presented an extensive exhibition of agricultural produce and implements offering a thorough showcase of the municipal’s rich agricultural diversity and the array of tools utilized in its cultivation. The display encompassed a broad spectrum of foodstuffs including staple crops, fruits, vegetables and aquaculture products alongside an impressive assortment of farm equipment, underscoring the significant strides made in agricultural technology and innovative practices within the municipality. This comprehensive exhibition served as a testament to the region’s commitment to agricultural development and its pursuit of excellence in farming practices.
Delivering his keynote address, the Municipal Chief Executive of the Mampong Municipality Hon. Yakubu Issifu took cognizance of the vital role played by the industrious and esteemed farmers and fisher folks whose tireless efforts have been instrumental in driving agricultural growth and development. This occasion served as a poignant reminder for all consumers of agricultural products to acknowledge and express gratitude for the unwavering dedication of farmers ranging from small-scale to large-scale producers who toil relentlessly to ensure the nation’s food security and sustainable development.
“The theme for the celebration, “FEED GHANA, EAT GHANA, SECURE THE FUTURE”, is apt and pertinent as it seeks to promote Ghanaian-made products and reduce reliance on foreign imports. This theme is designed to inspire confidence in locally produced goods, stimulate agricultural growth and empower farmers to enhance production. By doing so it aims to create employment opportunities for the youth establish ready markets and contribute to the nation’s economic development”. He indicated.
He emphasized on the consumption of locally produced foodstuffs which has health implications as it encourages the population to adopt healthier dietary habits and appreciate the value of homegrown produce. Overall, the theme is a call to action for Ghanaians to support local agriculture, promote economic self-sufficiency and secure a sustainable future.
In his concluding remarks he extended sincere appreciation to individuals and organizations who contributed to the celebration and to all those whose efforts ensured its success. He indicated that their donations and support were gratefully acknowledged. He also took the opportunity to congratulate the esteemed farmers nationwide particularly those who were honored for their tireless dedication to agriculture.
Dada Alex the overall municipal best farmer’s farm spans a diverse range of crops: 25 acres of coconut, 35 acres of cashew, 35 acres of cocoa, 13 acres of mango,14 acres of plantain, 45 acres of yam, 35acres of cassava, 5 acres of cocoyam, 5 acres of potato, 20 acres of groundnuts, 20 acres of cowpea, 12 acres of watermelon, 104 acres of maize, 15 acres of rice, 2 acres of okro, 1 acre of ayoyo, 5 acres of Carrot, 5 acres of sweet pepper and 5 acres of garden eggs . In addition to crops, he keeps 6000 poultry, 56 local fowls, 42 Guinea fowls, 55 Turkeys, 46 cattle, 52 Sheep and 38 goats. He also has Farm implements and Machinery 2 tractors, 1 aboboyaa, 3 Motorbikes, 70 Kuffour gallons, 30 Wellington boots, 23 cutlasses, 15 hoes, 2 tape measures, 8 blue Jerry cans, 4 Farmhouses and 6 pumping machines.
He has also undertaken various social responsibilities demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community. Notably, he has sponsored the education of 35 Senior High School (SHS) students and 15 training college students. Additionally, he provides annual donations to a babies’ home and offers support to widows in the communities encompassing both farming and residential areas.
Furthermore, he has facilitated the renewal of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cards for elderly individuals residing in various farming communities, including Awayeso, Botoku, Owuobuoho, Abuotem, Atonsuagya, Aframso, and Woraso. These initiatives underscore his dedication to improving the welfare of the community and contributing to the well-being of its members.
Dada Alex was conferred with an array of prestigious awards and incentives in recognition of his outstanding achievements, comprising a certificate of recognition, a tricycle, commonly referred to as “Aboboyaa”, a wheel barrow, six cutlasses, four pairs of Wellington boots, two knapsack sprayers, two pairs of gloves, a table top fridge, five 25kg bags of Yara Fertilizer, six 250ml bottles of Liquid Fertilizer, and twelve sachets of Sulphonate 8grms.
In his acceptance address, Dada Alex conveyed sincere appreciation to the Municipal Agriculture Department and the Regional Coordinating Council for their instrumental guidance and steadfast support. He further implored the younger generation to explore the vast opportunities in agriculture elucidating its multifaceted advantages and stressing its vital contribution to the nation’s progress. “The work we undertake “he underscored” is fundamental to ensuring the nation’s food security and safeguarding our shared future.”
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene lauded the unwavering dedication and resilience of farmers in the Districts, Municipalities and the Region as a whole by acknowledging their pivotal role in driving local economic growth and development. He reaffirmed the NDC government’s commitment to the Agriculture Modernization Agenda a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming the agricultural sector through the implementation of key programmes.He re-emphasized that the initiatives include the establishment of poultry projects, the creation of an Agricultural Modernization Fund, the provision of mechanization services, irrigation development schemes, youth agribusiness projects and support for value-addition and agro-processing activities. The primary objectives of these programmes are to reduce the country’s reliance on food imports enhance local production and generate employment opportunities for the youth and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
Dr. Amoakohene also expressed deep concern about the devastating impact of illegal mining commonly known as galamsey on farmlands and water bodies in the region. He noted that the menace, compounded by the effects of climate change, has had a detrimental impact on cocoa production in the region, with far-reaching consequences for the local economy and the environment.
In light of this, he called upon traditional rulers and other stakeholders to collaborate with the government in efforts to curb the practice of illegal mining and promote sustainable agricultural practices ensuring a brighter future for the region’s farmers and the environment.
Nana Agyakoma Difie II, the revered Queen Mother of the Asante Mampong Traditional Council conveyed her sincere appreciation and accolade to the NDC-led administration for its laudable endeavours and programmes designed to promote and bolster agricultural growth and advancement within the municipality. She extolled the government’s interventional measures observing that they have yielded a profound impact on the lives of farmers and the wider community thereby contributing significantly to the overall development of the area.
In the course of her address, Nana Agyakoma Difie II exhorted the youthful population to contemplate engaging in agricultural pursuits as a viable and profitable entrepreneurial venture underscoring its potential to generate revenue and stimulate job creation. She implored the younger generation to capitalize on the plethora of agricultural opportunities available citing the region’s rich soil, congenial climate, and the government’s unequivocal support for agricultural development and modernization.
The dignitaries and esteemed guests who graced the occasion with their presence included persons from the Regional Cordinating Council, Municipal and District Chief Executives from various Municipals and Districts. Additionally, the Mampong Constituency NDC Chairman and executives, teachers and students from some schools and various security heads and staff were also in attendance.
Furthermore, the event was well-represented by heads of department and staff of the Mampong Municipal Assembly, revered traditional leaders (nananom), Assembly members, farmers, members of the clergy and the general public. The media was also present ensuring that the proceedings were adequately covered and disseminated to the wider public. The diverse and distinguished gathering underscored the significance of the occasion and the collective commitment to agricultural development in the municipality.
