The 5th annual Farmers' Day celebration in the Weija-Gbawe municipality took place on Friday, December 2, 2022.
The event was to recognize hardworking and deserving farmers in the municipality.
The colourful event, themed "ACCELERATING AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH VALUE ADDITION," was held at the Gbawe Pig Abattoir.
The chairman for the occasion, Dr Michael Ampim Sackey, an agronomist and philanthropist, re-echoed the importance of consuming homegrown foods and their effects on general health and the economy.
The importance and challenges faced by farmers and fishermen were highlighted by Madam Antoinette Nyakpenu, the Head of the Agriculture Department.
She thanked the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and the chairman of the Agricultural Sub-Committee, Hon. Godfred Adjei Laryea, for their unwavering support after urging the agricultural value chain to help find ways to improve food security.
Hon. Patrick Kwesi Brako Kumor (MCE) also took the podium to emphasize the importance of value addition in increasing income, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings.
He also praised farmers for their enormous contributions to the nation as a whole.
"We say if you can read, thank a teacher," he said in his speech. "So, if you're still alive and well, thank a farmer."
The special guest of honour for the celebration, Hon. Tina Gifty Naa Ayele Mensah, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Weija-Gbawe Constituency and the Deputy Minister of Health, spoke to the farmers.
She praised them for their efforts during the current global economic downturn.
The Presiding Member (PM) for the Municipal Assembly, Hon. Andrew Oppong Amoako, the Municipal Coordinating Director (MCD) Hon. Vida Awuku, stool representatives from the Gbawe led by the Gbawe Queen mother, Naa Yaaniede ll, Oblogo, and Weija communities, Assembly members from electoral areas in the municipality, and Heads of Departments were present at the grand occasion.
The various residents' associations, religious leaders, the security services and the general public were not left out.
The recognised farmers received various prizes, including wellington boots, cutlasses, shovels, knapsack sprayers, chest freezers, and a tricycle, among others.
Eight (8) categories were created, and the winners of those categories were recognized.
The following are the winners of the 5th Farmers' Day celebration:
Municipal Best Crop Farmer - Mr Foster Afranie
Municipal Best Livestock Farmer - Mr Rahman Mustapha
Municipal Best Poultry Farmer - Mr Louis Ashley
Municipal Best Fish Farmer - Mr Francis Alobuiah
Municipal Best Pig Farmer - Mr Robert Quansah
Municipal Best Agricultural Extension Agent - Mr Steven Dzokoto
Municipal Best Farmer Runner Up - Madam Comfort Offei.
Municipal Overall Best Farmer - Mr Richard Amebor.
In a media interview, Mr. Richard Amebor, the Overall Best Farmer, expressed his gratitude to the government.
He also requested that the government subsidize some farming necessities to enable and encourage farmers to put forth their best efforts for the country's good.
Julius Sarpei,
PRO, Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly.
