The President of the Republic of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo has reiterated government’s commitment to accelerating agricultural modernization and transformation agenda as part of measures to reduce the importation of foods which has been a key contributor of food inflation accounting to the current economic hardship.
According to the President, this effort requires strong inter sector coordination at all level and effective engagement and collaboration with the private sector and all agri stakeholders in the agricultural ecosystem.
He further highlighted that institutions such as the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) and the pipe line strategic institutions like the Grains Development Authority (GDA) will be strengthened in supporting to deliver effectively on their strategic mandates.
As part of effort by government to unlock the potential of the grain industry to help increase value addition , gain market access and to achieve higher productivity , the President said currently a bill is before parliament requesting for approval to amend the erstwhile Grain Development Authority Act 1970 (ACT. 234) to provide for the establishment of a body Cooperate to Regulate Promote and Coordinate development of the Grain industry.
He said, the Authority with private sector participation will coordinate actors of the grain industry to achieve higher productivity , gain market access and increase value addition adding that the effort will also maximize the benefit from the grain sector through effective regulation.
The President said this during the National Farmers Day Celebration in Koforidua under the theme “Accelerating Agricultural Development Through Value Addition.”
Additionally, the president said the Fisheries and Aquaculture sector as essential component of the agric sector has provided employment to some 3 million people, therefore government will continue to implement sustainable fisheries management measure to help conserve the dwindling marine fisheries resources to sustain the sector for future generation and create more job opportunities.
The President revealed that government has granted 3 key approval for the fisheries ministry, which are the automation of premix fuel distribution at landing beach, the implementation of a new National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy and the Preparation of the new Fisheries Act to replace the current Act 625.
Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto the Akufo Addo led government has invested 2.5 billion in subsidise since 2017 which has actualized 4 billion cedis yield.
This he said has enhanced food security in the country.
The Nana Yaw Sarpong Srebour from Asante Juaben was adjudged overall National Best Farmer 2022.
Nana Yaw Sarpong Serebuor has 22 years experience in farming with 900 acres of oil palm, 63 acres of citrus, 65 acres of cocoa, 240 acres of maize, 17 acres of mango, 30 acres of cashew, 57 acres of cassava, 36 acres of cowpea.
He also has 17,500 poultry birds, 256 cattle , 72 sheep, 441 goats, 254 pigs, 104 grasscutters, 7,000 snails among others.
He received cash price award of Ghc1 million sponsored by Agriculture Development Bank (ADB), a Toyota KIA truck vehicle and enjoy two nights’ full board complimentary stay for two at the Peduase Valley Resort.
The first runner-up in the national best farmers’ awards went to Adjei Fosu Seth from Kintampo North.
He took home a tractor, trailer, ploughs, and sprayer.
The second runner-up also went to Professor Akwasi Asabre Ameyaw from Techiman North in the Bono East region. He was rewarded with tractor with other Agriculture implements.
The National best female farmer went to Yaa Adjeley from Wassa. She received a cash prize of GHS100,000 and a study tour of Ghana.
Alex Cudjoe from Elmina in the Central region was also adjudged National best Fisherman.He received a double cabin truck.
Christiana Modzifa from West Gonja was the first runner-up for the fisheries and Acquaculture category.She received a modified tricycle, outboard motor and deep freezer and a 44-inch television.
Clement Addai Anokye from Kyebi in Eastern region was the second runner-up. He received a modified tricycle outboard motor and deep freezer.
Other winners on the day included Joyce Dapaah (Most enterprising female farmer), Peter Paintsil (National best Most promising young cocoa farmer), and Bobie Akutusi (National Best sheernut picker).
source: Mybrytnewsroom.com/Obed Ansah
