The Keta Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Wisdom Seade, has called on the public to prioritise local food production to strengthen the agricultural sector and increase productivity.
Speaking at the 41st Municipal Farmers‘ Day celebration at Hatorgodo, he said the Assembly was implementing measures to transform agriculture in the municipality, including promoting climate-smart farming and investing in storage facilities, value addition and agro-processing.
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Mr Seade noted that although agriculture remained a major source of livelihoods in Ghana, the sector continued to grapple with climate change, limited credit access and weak infrastructure.
He urged farmers to adopt modern techniques, improve storage, and process more produce to increase income and reduce losses.
He highlighted the potential of young people in agriculture, describing them as “game changers” who could drive sustainable food security if given the right support.
He said interventions such as youth-focused training, start-up grants, access to land, cooperatives and agribusiness incubation hubs would be rolled out to address barriers.
He encouraged the youth to see agriculture as a viable career path and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of agripreneurs.
He also praised the quality and nutritional value of local produce such as okro, pepper, onions, leafy vegetables and fish.
Keta’s Director of Agriculture, Mr Godwin Tettey, said the livestock sector remained critical to the municipality, with veterinary officers working to maintain healthy cattle, small ruminants and poultry populations.
He revealed that the department received about 10 requests this year for farm assessments linked to cattle-related crop destruction cases.
The 2025 Municipal Best Farmer, Mr Pascal Dasilveira, a 54-year-old from Nolopi, expressed appreciation for the recognition but outlined persistent challenges, including pests, diseases, high input costs, erratic rainfall, post-harvest losses, poor mechanisation access and limited markets.
He urged deeper collaboration between the Agriculture Department, the private sector, NGOs, research institutions and government agencies to address these constraints.
He also called for expanded irrigation, stronger extension services, increased mechanisation support, youth empowerment and the adoption of digital tools to enhance productivity.
Mr Dasilveira appealed to the government to intensify support for farmers, while encouraging the public to prioritise local food products to grow the local economy.
Award winners at the ceremony received various prizes and certificates. The district celebration was held earlier than usual due to preparations for the national Farmers’ Day event scheduled for Friday, December 5, in Ho.
