Farmers’ Day: Galamsey, erratic rains, poor storage top concerns nationwide

Farmers across the country were honoured on Friday, December 5, as the government marked the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration, with the national event held in the Volta Region.

Across regional and district ceremonies, farmers used the occasion to call for stronger climate-adaptation support to sustain production amid increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

In the Ashanti Region, the event was held in Asante Mampong, where Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the sector. He highlighted policies designed to ease the work of farmers and strengthen national food security, urging Ghanaians to prioritise locally grown produce and cut reliance on imported foodstuffs.

In the Kumasi Metropolis, Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang-Boadi announced that under the Nkoko Nkitinkiti project, 50,000 birds would be distributed to farmers to boost poultry production.

Further north, the Member of Parliament for Zabzugu, Alhassan Umar Abaako, outlined interventions underway to improve farming livelihoods and encouraged farmers to remain patient as the programmes are rolled out.

Farmers in the Western Region, however, expressed concern about the toll of climate variability on their yields. They told Channel One News that erratic rainfall continues to disrupt planting schedules.

Seventy-four-year-old farmer Faustina Arhin said irrigation could mitigate the challenge, but it remains unaffordable for many small-scale farmers. At the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal event, award winners appealed for farm implements and a decisive clampdown on illegal mining, which they said continues to pollute water sources.

In southern Ghana, some farmers are pinning fresh hopes on the community seed bank at Mangoase, where a variety of local crop and vegetable seeds are preserved to prevent extinction and enhance climate resilience.

The Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunnor, similarly called for stronger government action on climate adaptation to protect farmer productivity.

This year’s awards saw 55-year-old Emmanuel Obeng Opoku Opare crowned Ashanti Regional Best Farmer, while Peter Torkpo from Sanso emerged Best Farmer in the Obuasi Municipality.

In the Western Region, 45-year-old Fuseini Iddrisu of Apremdo was named Overall Best Farmer for the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipality.

The Overall National Best Farmer title went to Opanyin Abraham Kwaku Adusei, who received a cash prize of GH¢1.2 million alongside other rewards.

Source: Citi Business News