On Friday, 2nd December 2022, the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) celebrated the 38th edition of the annual Farmers Day at the forecourt of the Ghana International Trade Fair Center. The theme for this year’s event was “Accelerating Agricultural Development Through Value Addition.”
The celebration was organized to honor farmers and fisherfolk for their contributions to the nation’s food security and agricultural sector growth. LaDMA set up a Farmers’ Day Celebrations Planning Committee with members nominated from various departments to ensure the success of the program. Sub-committees were also created to undertake specific roles, and a report of their activities is attached as an annex to the draft report.
The celebration was graced by about 200 people, including the Member of Parliament, Hon. Rita Odoley Sowah, the Hon. MCE Rev. Solomon Kotey Nikoi, Traditional Leaders, Heads of Clan Houses of La, Religious Leaders, members of the media, dignitaries, security agencies, farmers, fisherfolk, families of farmers and fisherfolk, Hon. Assembly Members, Unit Committee Members, Heads of Department and staff of the Assembly, and the general public.
The celebration began with an opening prayer led by Rev. Daniel Tsumasi Yeboah, the General Overseer-Bible Chapel International Church, followed by the recital of the National Pledge by all present. Lawyer Frank Davies, Esq. was introduced as the Chairman for the occasion, and he accepted the role, expressing gratitude for being chosen among many others.
The Municipal Director of Agriculture welcomed everyone to the function and shared the department’s achievements during the year and projections for the coming year. The overall best farmer for the year 2022 used the opportunity to congratulate his fellow competitors for their hard work towards agriculture within the Municipality. He urged his fellow farmers to make farming lucrative to attract the youth into the sector to achieve the government’s aim of promoting youth in agriculture.
The MCE led the dignitaries to inspect the exhibition stands set up by the farmers in display of foodstuffs and livestock amid musical interlude. In the MCE’s keynote address, he congratulated all farmers, fisherfolk, and other value chain actors for their vital roles in providing food for consumption and raw materials for industry.
The Hon. MCE indicated that, the municipality is shifting focus from primary production to post-harvest handling and processing of agricultural produce, given the high demand for land for other purposes. The municipality is providing trainings and facilitations to encourage farmers to venture into processing and other alternative investments to improve their living conditions.
The celebration was a success, and LaDMA remains committed to supporting farmers, fisherfolk, and other value chain actors in the provision of food security and the growth of the agricultural sector.
