Benjamin Blackie Forson, a 60-year-old farmer from Kwahu Adweso in the Kwahu South municipality, has been adjudged the Eastern Region’s Best Farmer during the region’s Farmers Day celebrations at Akyem Ofoase in the Eastern region as part of activities to mark the 39th National Farmer’s Day celebrations.
All 12 farmers were awarded in various categories, including Overall Best Farmer, Best Crop Farmer, and Best Fisheries Farmer, among others, for their immense contribution towards food security in the country.
The region’s best female farmer went to Madam Ama Ohenewaa Ahiamale, while Victor Mensah was adjudged the best livestock farmer, with Samuel Larweh Nartey and Michael Eduadzi Azaglo receiving the region’s best physically challenged farmer award and the best youth farmer, respectively.
Each of the 12 award winners was presented with certificates of merit, a motorcycle, a refrigerator, a flat-screen television, half a piece of cloth, organic fertilizers, a wheelbarrow, a Knapsack spraying machine, agrochemicals, and cutlasses, among others.
Speaking at the celebration, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr. Seth Acheampong, said agriculture development remained a top priority of the government, as evident in the implementation of programmes geared towards increasing the productivity of crops and livestock.
He added that the Eastern Region had over the years demonstrated total commitment to the implementation of these programs, stressing that the government will continue to commit resources to this all-important sector.
He encouraged farmers to adopt new farming practices to increase productivity, reduce costs and improve quality. He called on all to work towards sustaining the sector for the development of the country.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, MP for Ofoase/Ayirebi and Minister of Information, commended the government for its commitment to improving the agriculture sector to enable food security in the country.
Receiving the award, Benjamin Blackie Forson, the Eastern Regional Best Farmer, lauded the government for instituting the day to motivate and recognise farmers to produce more for the country.
He urged all and sundry, especially the youth, to take to agriculture and acquire skills for farming and agro-processing to facilitate food security and resilience.
Samuel Larweh Nartey, the physically challenged best farmer, who spoke with NET2 TV News, expressed gratitude for the gesture. He encouraged and urged unemployed youth to venture into agriculture, which he said would help improve their livelihoods.
