Godfred Klomega receiving his award MCE Adansi-Bonah
A 51-year-old man, Godfred Klomega of Nhyiaeso in the Obuasi Municipality, was adjudged the 2023 Municipal Best Farmer at the 39th National Farmers’ Day celebration held at Binsere last Friday.
AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine provided him with a 40-inch LED TV, motorized tricycles (Aboboyaa), two wellington boots, 12 pieces of GTP wax print, one box of Key soap, two knapsack sprayers, machetes, and one box of Sunphosate Glyphosate weedicide and one brush cutter.
Mr. Klomega owns 23.5 acres of land that has been developed for intercrop agriculture, fish farming, and livestock production.
In his speech, he discussed the economic benefits of agriculture and mentioned how his standard of living has improved since he began farming 23 years ago.
Mr. Klomega said that through farming, he was able to fund his ward’s education, who is now a medical doctor, while encouraging the youth to develop interest in agriculture.
“What I can tell the youth is that agriculture has a lot of benefits. I am a beneficiary and I encourage everybody to develop interest in it,” he intimated.
The newly crowned top farmer also recommended for his fellow farmers to collaborate closely with Agriculture Extension Officers who will assist them in adopting and implementing the appropriate technology on their fields.
Francis Coffee of Mampamhwe No.2 was named Second Best Farmer, while the Assembly recognized 11 other farmers and an extension officer for their hard work.
The Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Elijah Adansi-Bonah entreated farmers across the country to prioritize their health needs.
According to the MCE, while the government is focused on implementing measures to enhance agriculture and maintain food security, farmers, who are the backbone of the nation’s economy, must take care of their health in order to produce more to support the country.
This year’s National Farmers’ Day coincided with World AIDS Day, and Mr. Adansi-Bonah used the occasion to caution farmers about their sexual activities.
“Let us all practice the abstinences. Be faithful to your partner and practice the use of condoms. This is the best way to take care of ourselves to avoid infection,” he indicated.
The Municipal Director of Agriculture, Yaw Owusu Donkor Jnr. commended farmers in the Municipality for their relentless efforts.
He said the theme for this year’s celebration: “Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience” is to draw the country’s attention to the rationale behind the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs programme.
He encouraged farmers to continuously work with the Extension Officers to increase their yields.
By Ernest Kofi Adu