STMA AWARDS 14 FARMERS AT 41ST NATIONAL FARMERS' DAY CELEBRATION

The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) marked the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration with a presentation of awards to 14 farmers for their outstanding contributions to the agriculture sector in the Metropolis. The awards included the overall best Metro Farmer, Metro Best Inshore Farmer, Metro Best Canoe Fisherman, Metro Best Aquaculture Farmer (Catfish & Tilapia), Metro Best Institution in Agriculture, and Metro Best Physically Challenged Farmer.

Others are the Metro Best SHS in Agriculture, Metro Best JHS in Agriculture, Metro Best Primary School in Agriculture, Metro Best Fish Processor, Metro Best Vegetable Farmer, Metro Best Poultry Farmer and Best Ruminant Farmer.

Welcoming farmers and dignitaries to the event, the Metro Agric Director, Ms. Deborah Gyasi Frimpomaa, highlighted the significance of this year's theme:“Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future.” She noted that the theme reflects the Ministry of Agriculture's vision of ensuring national food self-sufficiency, long-term food security, and economic resilience through the Feed Ghana Programme.

According to the Metro Agric Director, the theme is “not just a slogan but a call to collective action,” reminding citizens that agriculture remains central to national transformation and the sustenance of livelihoods. She stressed that while farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock keepers work tirelessly to feed the country, citizens also have an obligation to value local produce, consume Ghanaian-grown food, and support domestic agribusinesses.

Ms Frimpomaa further encouraged exhibitors and emerging farmers to aspire to excellence, adding that even when hard work goes unrecognized, their contributions remain vital to the survival of mankind.

The Metropolitan Chief Executive, Hon. Fredrick Faustinus Faidoo, explained that hosting the celebration at the Albert Bosomtwe Sam Fishing Harbour was symbolic, as farmers and fisherfolk form the backbone of Ghana’s socio-economic development. He reaffirmed STMA’s recognition of farmers’ critical role in feeding the nation’s growing population, supporting industry, and contributing to foreign exchange earnings.

He emphasized that Farmers’ Day is “a day of national thanksgiving,” offering an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s agricultural journey and its ambitions for a resilient, value-added agricultural economy. He acknowledged the contributions of farmers across the Metropolis, noting that agriculture remains a vital pillar of livelihood.

Hon. Faidoo assured the public that the government remains committed to stabilizing the economy through pragmatic policies and agricultural interventions. He mentioned interventions such as home and farm visits to promote good agricultural practices, as well as farmer training in improved crop management, soil fertility techniques, pest control, climate-smart agriculture, and post-harvest handling.

He congratulated all awardees and encouraged stakeholders to “move forward united in purpose to build an agricultural system that feeds our families, strengthens our economy, protects our environment, and secures a prosperous future for generations to come.”

A farmer from Kansaworado, Mr. Eric Amoasi, was adjudged the overall metro best farmer, receiving a set of awards including a tricycle, bags of fertiliser, Wellington boots, cutlasses, and a knapsack sprayer. Among the award winners were Nathaniel Nartey Agah, Metro Best Crop Farmer; Hamid Yusif, Metro Best Youth Farmer; Esi Deguamba, Metro Best Fish Processor; Faustina Agbotui, Metro Best Poultry Farmer; Jonathan Aidoo, Metro Best Physically Challenged Farmer; John Bosomtwe, Metro Best Canoe Fisherman; and St. James Anglican Basic School at Akromakrom, Metro Best Primary School in Agriculture.

Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were the members of parliament for Essikado-Ketan and Sekondi constituencies, Hon. Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, and Hon. Blay Nyameke Armah, respectively. The paramount queen mother of Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Ekua Kodu II, chaired the function.