THE 38TH FARMER’S DAY CELEBRATION AT BAMPENASE IN THE KWABRE EAST MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY

The Kwabre East Municipal Assembly organized this year’s Farmers day at Bampenase on Friday, 2nd December 2022 under the theme “Accelerating Agricultural Development through Value Addition”.

Some of the dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Municipal Chief Executive [MCE] Hon. Opoku Agyamang Bonsu, the Member of Parliament [MP] for the Kwabre East Constituency, Mrs. Francisca Oteng Mensah, the Coordinating Director Baba Iddi,   Hon. George Oppong, ESQ Presiding Member,  Municipal Police Commander, Superintendent Set Eyako Kububor, Head of departments, Honorable Assembly members, Chiefs and Farmers.  

 Addressing the occasion, Hon Opoku Agyemang Bonsu Municipal Chief Executive mentioned that Ghana’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture and available statistics indicate that more than 60% of Ghanaians are engaged in agriculture; “I must say, the percentage of labor in agriculture would have been more if we factor in those who are not directly involved in agricultural activities such as distribution and agro processing. It is for these important reasons and the tremendous contribution of our farmers towards the development of this country, that we celebrate and honor them today. We salute and applaud you for your dedication and sacrifice to mother Ghana”.

    According to Hon. Opoku Agyemang it is key we all realized the need to process and eat what we grow rather than importing value added food from other countries.  He highlighted on the theme which he believed to be an eye opener for us, especially in the wake of the current global challenges. Agriculture presents a good opportunity for additional revenue generation, job creation, foreign exchange earning thus encouraged farmers to practice an effective post-harvest management culture.

Furthermore, Hon. Opoku Agyemang also emphasized on planting for Food and Rural Development, He highlighted on the immense benefits the programme has been to farmers in the Municipality. According to the MCE, a total of 114,325 cocoa and 8100 coconut seedling have been distributed to 763 beneficiary farmers in the Municipality since the commencement of the programme in 2017.

Mrs Francisca Oteng Mensah, MP for the Kwabre East Constituency who doubles as the Deputy Gender Minister  in a short but impressive address,    congratulated  all farmers who won the farmer’s awards this year “ME MA MO AYEKOO’’

According to the MP, since the NPP government came to power, the government has done a lot for the country regardless of current global crisis. The government continues to uphold its polices such as; free shs, social intervention, the school feeding programme amongst others. The government has also reduced the E-levy tariffs from 1.5% to 1%.She pleaded with the people to keep supporting the government as they continue to put measures in place to boost up the economy.

Again she touched on our poor road network which is one of the most pressing issues in the municipality, regardless of the current global crisis, the government still remains committed to fixing our roads. Contractors are to begin working on the Mamponteng town road, Kenyasi – Antoa town road, Aboaso town road, Ntonso- Antoa town roads, Meduma town roads and many more.

Mr. Nana Kwadwo Mensah a 49-year old Farmer from Adanwumase was awarded the overall best Farmer for the Kwabre East Municipality. He has a record of about 2000 poultry, 72 pigs, 157 local fowls, 11 Acers of maize, 5 Acres of cassava and many more.

 Mr. Kwabene Benefo a 49-year-old from Ahodwo also emerged the 1^st runner-up best farmer in the municipality with a very impressive record.