The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) has honoured its gallant Farmers for 2023. The 39th National farmers’ day replicated in the District was held at the Forecourt of the La Traditional Council under the theme: Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience. Madam Julia Judith Frempong- Manso a professional teacher from Burma Camp was adjudged the overall best farmer and presented with a Motorbike, 32-inch Television set, one Knapsack sprayer, Full piece cloth, and a certificate.
Other Eight deserving hardworking farmers were also presented with awards in various categories. Addressing the gathering, Madam Julia Judith Frempong-Manso mentioned that dedication and hard work reward. She said farming is a worthwhile business and urged the youth and unemployed in the Municipality to venture into that area.
She condemned the conception that farming is a punishment. Madam Julia Judith Frempong-Manso mentioned that her husband Colonel Frempong-Manso started the fish farming. She continued that, fish farming is very difficult and capital intensive but the reward is very great. She dedicated the award to her husband and supporting staff.
Mr Solomon Kotey Nikoi, the Municipal Chief Executive of LaDMA announced that the Assembly was declared National Second-Best in the Public Financial Management (PFM) compliance in the 2023 assessment conducted by the Internal Audit Agency of Ghana. Mr Solomon Kotey Nikoi said this attests the Assembly’s firm commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. He said the achievement would motivate the Assembly to do more in the years to come.
Mrs Emelia Monney, the Municipal Director of Agriculture mentioned that the Agric Department and Municipal Authority have been implementing Government policies on Agric with the support of the Canadian Government. She said that under the years, the sector has been implementing the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ). She continued that the sector has provided consistent extension services and trainings for different stakeholders along the agric value chain and has facilitated linkages between stakeholders.
According to Mrs Emelia Monney, the Agric Department in collaboration with the poultry sector was able to bring bird flu under control. She said this was done through vaccinations for poultry, and anti-rabies vaccines administered for pets and ruminants on regular basis as well as distribution of agrochemicals to crop farmers. Mrs Emelia Monney therefore stated that, the Agric Department collaborated with the Department of Cooperatives and Ghana Enterprises Agency to bring financial literacy and business expertise to some of the farmers and farm association. She assured the gathering that the Agric Department will continue to provide extension services to the farmers and other stakeholder along the food value chain.
He said the Farmers’ Day celebration presents another opportunity to honour the gallant farmers and agribusiness workers for the starring role they play to safeguard continual national development and the food security of the populaces.
According to the MCE, the Assembly’s commitment to providing innovative and forward-thinking solutions in Agriculture has become important than before in the face of over-evolving challenges. Mr Solomon Kotey Nikoi, added that the theme for the celebration has become more relevant because experts have acknowledged that food security, sustainability and resilience is becoming a serious threat to humanity, particularly for the developing countries.
He said for the Assembly to achieve sustainable food security and resilience, his pertinent to invest in education and training of the Municipal farmers, to empower them with knowledge and skills needed to adopt smart farming practices.
The MCE said that, in pursuit of Smart Solution for Sustainable food security in the Country, the Government of Ghana led by the President Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo Addo has launched the second phase of planting for food and jobs. He said the second phase would focus on sustainable methods of financing fertilizer and seeds for farmers instead of the subsidy.