Tano South Municipal joins the rest of the Nation to celebrate the 41st National Farmers’ Day, with the theme “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future” at Derma-Kofintamkrom.
The event, aimed to celebrate the significant contributions of farmers to the nation’s food security and economy, brought together key stakeholders, including Hon. Charles Asiedu; Member of Parliament for Tano South Constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong; Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Abdul Rahman Salamn; Municipal Coordinating Director, Hon. Dr. Hannah Louisa Bissiw-Kotei, representatives from the security agencies, heads of departments, clergy, traditional leaders, farmers and community members.
The celebration featured impressive awards, with winners taking home prizes including a brand new motor tricycle for the overall best farmer, motorbikes, bicycles, household gadgets, Wallington boots, and spraying machines, among others for other outstanding farmers
DOIII Clifford Tieko Ashie of the Tano South Divisional Fire Service Command educated the public on safety precautionary measures against fire as the dry season approaches. He announced the enforcement of a ban on bush burning and urged the public to desist from such activities to avoid prosecution under the PNDC Law 229.
The Tano South Divisional Fire Service Command DOIII Clifford Tieko Ashie educating the farmers
Mr. Ashie expressed gratitude to the Municipal Chief Executive for providing the command with a motorbike to enhance their fire fighting efforts. He further appealed to all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, assembly members, and community members, to support the fire command and fire volunteers with personal protective equipment, logistics, and other resources to boost their effectiveness in preventing and combating bush fires in the municipality.
In a brief but inspiring speech, Hon. Dr. Hannah Louisa Bissiw-Kotei, who graced the occasion, applauded the farmers for their tireless efforts in putting food on the tables of Ghanaians and contributing to the country’s economic growth. She reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting farmers through initiatives that enhance their productivity and profitability.
Hon. Dr. Hannah Louisa Biisiw-Kotei, who graced the occasion addressing the people
Hon. Dr. Bissiw-Kotei urged farmers to adopt modern farming practices, utilize available agricultural resources, and take advantage of government programs designed to boost their yields. She cited the NkokorNkitinkiti project established in Bechem as a flagship initiative by the government aimed at increasing poultry production, and encouraged farmers to leverage this program to enhance their productivity and profitability
She congratulated the farmers on their achievements and encouraged them to continue working hard to achieve food sufficiency in the country.
The Municipal Director of Agriculture, Mr. Paul Addai in his address commended farmers for their efforts in producing enough food to feed the nation, saying “Ayekoo” to them and praying that their strength would be renewed in the years ahead to enable them to work harder.
He Acknowledged the growth of the event, which has evolved from a one-day celebration with a bicycle as the highest award to a week-long celebration with prizes including seed money, vehicles, tractors, and more. He emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency in food production, citing the theme “FEED GHANA, EAT GHANA, SECURE THE FUTURE” as very timely.
Mr. Addai added that the Feed Ghana Programme has been successful and working its way to make Ghana a food-sufficient nation in cereals, grains, vegetables, poultry which has led to an excess of foodstuffs on the market within one year of its implementation. He indicated that under this programme, 224 farmer cooperatives and FBOs, as well as 20 schools have been registered and supplied with NPK fertilizers. Each Basic and Junior High School received 25 bags of fertilizers, while Senior High Schools received 50 bags each.
During the 2023/2024 season, 15,000 coconut seedlings and 10,000 oil palm seedlings were distributed to 264 farmers under the Feed the Industry Component. The Department of Agriculture also provided extension services to 3,651 farmers through farm and home visit.
The Municipal Director of Agriculture, Mr. Paul Addai address the gathering
Mr. Addai indicated that in collaboration with East-West Knowledge Transfer, the Department set up 30 demonstration sites as a learning platform for vegetable farmers across the municipality. Additionally, the Department is implementing a market-oriented project called G-SHEP to promote production and marketing of vegetables among smallholder farmers in five communities.
He thanked stakeholders, including the Member of Parliament, Municipal Chief Executive, and sponsors, for their support and acknowledged the contributions of Newmont Ghana LTD, Ahafo North Mines, and other organizations that supported the Farmers’ Day celebration. He also congratulated the Regional Best Poultry Farmer, Mr. Kofi Poku from Techimantia.
Bringing his speech to an end Mr. Addai encouraged farmers to strive for excellence and congratulating award winners. He emphasized the Department of Agriculture’s commitment to providing technical advice, modern innovation technologies, and support to farmers to increase their yield and improve their livelihoods.
Addressing the gathering, Hon, Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong MCE of Tano South Municipal expressed gratitude to farmers, for their contributions to the nation’s socio-economic development. He acknowledged government’s efforts in implementing programmes to support the agricultural sector, including the Feed Ghana Programme. These programmes he explained has various components, including the “NkokoNkitinkiti” initiative, which aims to promote poultry production and reduce reliance on frozen chicken imports.
He explained that the government is constructing a modern poultry and meat processing plant at Bechem, which will serve as a vital pillar in the national agenda to reset the economy and industrialize agriculture. The plant will include a feed processing unit, meat processing unit, cold-chain and dry-storage warehouses, and a training academy.
Hon, Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong MCE of Tano South Municipal addressing the farmers
Hon. Frimpong also highlighted the Free Fertilizer Distribution Programme, which aims to support cocoa farmers and increase production. He noted that the government has increased the producer price of cocoa to ¢3,625.00 per bag, effective October 2025, representing a 12.27% rise. Furthermore, the government has announced a new Tertiary Scholarship Scheme for children of cocoa farmers starting from the 2026/2027 academic year.
Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong emphasized the importance of environmental protection and urged farmers to adopt acceptable practices, avoid bush burning, and protect the environment. He thanked the government for selecting Tano South Municipality for the construction of the poultry and meat processing plant and appreciated the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for their support.
Hon. Charles Asiedu, Member of Parliament for Tano South, expressed his appreciation for the tireless efforts of farmers in driving the nation’s agricultural sector forward. He lauded their hard work and significant contributions to food sufficiency and economic prosperity, acknowledging the crucial role they play in shaping the nation’s future.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring food security and support for farmers through various initiatives. Notably, he mentioned the establishment of a cocoa office in the municipality, which will ensure that cocoa from Tano South receives a special batch number, enhancing the marketability of the produce.
Hon. Asiedu further noted that the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has acquired new spraying machines to facilitate mass spraying of cocoa, a move that will significantly improve crop yields and disease management. He stated that the construction of the Bechem poultry factory in Tano South is a project that will create employment opportunities for the youth and contribute to the local economy. He expressed his commitment to lobbying for Tano South to be included in the Farmers Service Centers, providing farmers with access to essential services and support.
Member of Parliament for Tano South Hon. Charles Asiedu speaking to the farmers
To nurture the next generation of farmers, Hon. Asiedu emphasized the importance of expanding agriculture in schools by investing in and providing them with the requisite materials. This initiative will not only equip students with valuable skills but also instill a culture of farming in their minds.
Hon. Asiedu reiterated his dedication to bringing development and prosperity to Tano South, thanking farmers for their unwavering commitment to feeding the nation and building a brighter future.
The chairperson, Nana Twumasi Asamoah in a closing remarks congratulated all farmers for their efforts in food production and thanked the government for its supportive structures. He congratulated award winners and encouraged others to work hard for recognition. He also urged community members to adhere to the anti-fire campaign initiated by the Fire Services.