By Emmanuel Gamson
Adjumako-Mpatase (W/R), Nov. 08, GNA-Mr John Agyare, the Ahanta West Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), has called on policymakers to prioritise crafting climate-resilient agricultural programmes to protect the sector from the devastating impact of climate change.
He said climate change threatened the livelihoods of farmers, fishermen, and the entire agricultural sector, and it was incumbent on policymakers to come out with strategic policies to deal with the issue to help enhance the country’s food security.
He made the call when the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly held its 40th Farmers’ Day celebration at Adjumako-Mpatase.
It was on the theme: “Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security”.
Mr Agyare stated that there was a need for stakeholders to build an agricultural system that could withstand the shocks of climate change, adapt to its challenges, and thrive in a changing environment to safeguard the country’s food security and protect the livelihoods of those who feed the nation.
He said: “Imagine a Ghana where every farmer has access to drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation systems, and timely weather information to help them make informed decisions.
Picture a Ghana where our fishermen use responsible, eco-friendly practices that protect our marine ecosystems and ensure a steady supply of fish for the years ahead.”
The MCE, thus, called for concerted efforts among stakeholders to increase investments in sustainable agriculture, providing farmers with the financial support needed to implement climate-resilient practices on a large scale.
Mr Agyare applauded the gallant farmers for their resilience, dedication and commitment, saying, “Every day, they rise before dawn, face the unpredictable forces of nature, and work tirelessly to provide the food that nourishes our families and communities.”
On the upcoming elections, he asked the people of Ahanta West to unite in the spirit of peace, respect, and communism to ensure a violence-free 2024 elections.
Mr Denis Antwi, the Ahanta West Municipal Director of Agriculture, said the effects of climate change on agriculture were making it harder for agricultural activities to provide sustainable food security for the country.
He reiterated the need to build climate-resilient agriculture systems to mitigate the effect of climate change on sustainable food security.
As part of the awards, Mr Felix Sika Mensah, a 62-year-old, from Agona Fie, emerged as the Overall Best Farmer in the Municipality.
He owned a nine-acre cocoa farm, 98 acres of rubber plantation, five acres of cassava, eight acres of plantain, 10 acres of oil palm, and six acres of maize, and reared 120 goats and 100 snails.
He received a tricycle, a 32-inch LCD television set, a knapsack sprayer, two pairs of Wellington boots, five cutlasses and a certificate of recognition.
He expressed gratitude to the Assembly for recognising and rewarding him for his hard work and said the awards received would motivate him to go the extra mile and promote food security within the Municipality.
Some of the other awardees were Mr David Kanye, the Best Cocoa Farmer, Paridon Amewodornyona, Best Marine Fisherman, Agnes Ocansey, Best Female Farmer, Lawrence Owusu, Best Livestock Farmer, Richmond Kwofie, Best Fish Farmer (Aquaculture), Isaac Kwofie, Best Crop Farmer, and Adjoa Tanoe, Best Physically Challenged Farmer.
GNA