Eric Amoasi being decorated as the Metropolitan Best farmer
The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Fredrick Faidoo, has emphasised that agriculture remains a vital pillar of livelihood particularly for residents in rural and peri-urban communities in the metropolis.
He said, “From Adiembra to BU, from Eshiem to Whindo, from Kojokrom to Kansaworado, from Essikado to New Takoradi and Sekondi, agriculture remains the mainstay of the people”.
He acknowledged the efforts of farmers in feeding the growing population, industries and contributing towards the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.
The Sekondi-Takoradi Mayor was speaking at this year’s Metropolitan Farmer’s Day celebration which was held at Essikado themed, “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future”.
A 57-year-old farmer from Kansaworondo in the Essikado-Ketan Constituency, Eric Amoasi, was adjudged the Metropolitan best farmer. He took home a tricycle, and other farming implement as his prize.
Jonathan Aidoo, took the best farmer within the disability category, Madam Esi Dagomba was the best fish processor and Ahmed Yussif was adjudged the best for youth in agriculture.
Best inshore fisher went to Isaac Eshun with John Bosomtwe taking the best Canoe fisherman while Amos Ackon took the best in aquaculture.
Institutional Awards went to GNAT, Ntarmakrom JHS, and Saint James Anglican Basic in Akromakrom.
Mr. Faidoo noted that the theme aligns strongly with the government’s renewed effort to modernise agriculture through technology, value addition, commercial scale production, and the buildup of strong agricultural cooperatives.
“It reminds us that the future of the country rests on the collective commitment to food security, sustainable agriculture, and the empowerment of those who produce the food every day,” he added.
He said fishers, processors, crop farmers, coconut farmers, vegetable growers, backyard gardeners, and poultry farmers continue to demonstrate that agriculture was not merely an occupation but a sacred responsibility.
He disclosed that 50 groups, comprising 657 individuals and eight institutions, had already been registered onto the government’s Feed Ghana Programme portal and awaiting inputs to commence full scale production.
Mr. Faidoo said the government’s renewed emphasis on poultry production was taking shape with about 1,000 individuals already registered under the initiative.
Metropolitan Best farmer Mr. Amoasi called for financial assistance to encourage more youth to venture into agriculture.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi