James Obeng, National Best Farmer 2018
President Akufo-Addo has announced a scholarship package valued at GH¢1 million for the children of 24 National Best Farmers and fisher folks to complement the efforts of other stakeholders in the agriculture sector.
The scholarship package, according to the President, is to make farming and the agriculture sector appealing to Ghanaians, especially the youth.
Announcing the scholarship package at the 34th National Farmers’ Day held at the Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale, President Akufo-Addo said the scholarship would cover the cost of the education of the children of farmers and fisher folks at the tertiary level.
“The scholarship will span undergraduate level to the PhD level in any agriculture-related field of interest of the candidate,” the President added.
The 34th National Farmers’ Day was held on the theme: “Agriculture, ‘Moving Ghana Beyond Aid.’
Speaking to DAILY GUIDE, the registrar of the Scholarship Secretariat, Kingsley Agyemang, said the development of agriculture has become necessary due to global trends.
He indicated that government deems it prudent to improve the knowledge of farmers through the provision of adequate extension officers and skills.
According to him, farmers would have to be adequately trained in modern farming practices, hence the package to support their wards in the sector.
He disclosed that government has partnered a university in the Czech Republic to train farmers’ children in agric-related short courses.
Mr. Kingsley Agyemang revealed that government had settled all debts left behind by the previous NDC administration in terms of government scholarships.
“Government has paid up till the end of this year both locally and abroad as we speak.”
He gave an assurance that there were enough funds to support the scholarship package announced by government.
From Eric Kombat, Tamale