Bryan Acheampong
FARMERS who attended this year’s National Farmers’ Day celebration at Tarkwa in the Western Region have hailed Bryan Acheampong, Minister for Food and Agriculture, for making significant strides in innovation and development in Ghana’s agricultural landscape since assuming office in February.
According to the farmers, Mr. Acheampong has been pivotal in reshaping the way agriculture was perceived and practised in the country, adding that under his leadership, this year’s National Farmers’ Day witnessed remarkable changes, breaking away from the traditional cash prize rewards.
They said they were enthused by the presentation of plaques and citations at the 39th National Farmers’ Day at the University of Mines and Technology auditorium in addition to the cash prizes and other agricultural inputs. Also, they said such innovative approach would not only honour the hard work of Ghana’s farmers and fishermen but also instill a sense of pride and accomplishment in them.
Charity Akortia, the National Best Farmer, praised the minister for going the extra mile to include other activities in this year’s event. Expressing appreciation to government and the minister for recognising her contribution and those of other hardworking farmers to the agriculture sector, she said such innovation would spur more people to get into farming and help reduce unemployment.
Francis Ofori, a farmer from the Volta Region, in an interview said, “This year’s Farmers’ Day celebration was very great and colourful. I must commend the minister and the entire Agriculture Ministry for their dedication towards rewarding our gallant farmers. We really appreciate it and hope to see more in the coming years.”
Kwarteng George, another farmer from the Eastern Region, also had this to say, “Generally speaking, the five-day celebration of our able farmers was a success. Although the dynamics of the National Farmers’ Day celebration were slightly changed to enrich the general celebration of our gallant farmers, such as adding an awards night and dinner, the programme was a good initiative which must be worked on and be critiqued further in the area of planning. Also, the criteria used in selecting the various award winners must be properly laid out to the general public.”
At the official opening of the National Farmers’ Day exhibition dubbed, ‘Agrifest 2023’, Mr. Acheampong mentioned that the government was using phase two of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme to ensure self-sufficiency in food production.
Already launched in October by President Akufo-Addo, the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme, Acheampong said, “Aims to increase agricultural productivity, create jobs, and reduce food imports.”
The minister emphasised the need for increased investment in agricultural capacity through enhanced research, extension services, and technology development.
Through Mr. Acheampong’s efforts, significant investments have been pledged to further grow and expand the agricultural sector.
A Daily Guide Report