Mr Prosper Kumi, the Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), has praised Ghanaian farmers for their critical contribution to national development, describing them as the backbone of the country’s economy.
Speaking at the 41st Farmers’ Day celebration held at Gbledi Chebi in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region, Mr Kumi said farmers sustain households, supply raw materials for industry, create employment and significantly contribute to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
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He noted that agriculture remained vital to the livelihoods of the majority of Ghanaians through the efforts of crop farmers, vegetable growers, livestock keepers, fisherfolk, processors and traders who keep the local economy vibrant and resilient.
Mr Kumi said Farmers’ Day offered an opportunity to celebrate the hard work, perseverance and patriotism of farmers, “without whom there would be no food and no national development.”
He stated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government had initiated bold agricultural policies aimed at transforming the sector into a modern, technology-driven and wealth-creating industry.
These include the expansion of the National Food Security Programme, agricultural mechanisation and technology modernisation, support for cocoa and tree-crop farmers, the “Nkoko Nkiti Kiti” poultry initiative and improved access to markets and value addition.
According to him, these interventions would help reduce economic shocks on households and accelerate national growth.
He added that poultry farmers and youth groups had already been identified for enrolment in the “Nkoko Nkiti Kiti” programme.
Madam Sandra Ofori, Hohoe Municipal Director of Agriculture, said the year had been favourable, with an even distribution of grains across farming communities resulting in abundant food supplies.
She stressed the need for increased investment in innovative processing and storage facilities, as well as the use of market information to guide production.
She revealed that efforts were underway to reintroduce vegetable production across communities to diversify traditional staples.
Madam Ofori highlighted that effective agricultural extension services contributed roughly 40 per cent to the year’s successes and called for more logistical support for the department to maintain its performance.
She also proposed the establishment of an agricultural mechanisation centre to address challenges in accessing machinery.
The Municipal Director commended the Hohoe Member of Parliament for supporting farmers with inputs, while also acknowledging all farmers recognised for their contributions.
Mr John Dogbey, a 50-year-old farmer from Glebi Chebi, was adjudged the overall best farmer.
He expressed gratitude for the honour and thanked the Hohoe MP for his recent support with fertilisers and machinery. He encouraged the youth to embrace farming, noting that it is a viable career for all.
