By Charles Tawiah, GNA
Abira (Ash), Dec. 7, GNA – Nana Kwaku Atakora, the Kumasi-Amakom Kurontihene, has been adjudged the Overall Best Farmer in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District during the 2025 Farmers’ Day celebration held at Abira, near Barekese.
Nana Atakora, who has been farming since 1992, cultivates a wide range of crops including 12 acres of maize, 17 acres of plantain, 10 acres each of teak and citrus, 65 acres of oil palm, five acres of cassava, two acres of cabbage, three acres of okro, two acres of coconut, seven acres of rice, and three acres of pepper.
He also owns 100 acres of cocoa, 500 mahogany seedlings, 300 ofram seedlings, as well as livestock comprising 11 guinea fowls, 75 local birds, 15 cattle, and six rabbits at Esaso near Barekese.
He was honoured alongside 13 other awardees and received an Apsonic tricycle (Aboboyaa) in addition to prizes in various categories.
Beyond his contributions to agriculture, the traditional leader has supported numerous community development initiatives.
These include helping reshape the Esaso–Adankwame road, paying school fees for needy but brilliant students, donating to police barracks and schools, employing 10 permanent and 20 casual workers, and roofing the Roman Catholic Church building at Esaso.
Mr. Mba Alenbila Zechariah, the District Chief Executive (DCE), commended all awardees and farmers in the district for their invaluable contributions to the local economy.
He noted that both local and central governments continued to introduce policies and interventions aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, maximizing profits, and reducing poverty.
In the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality, 57-year-old Mr. Kwame Anane from Amanchia emerged as the Overall Best Farmer among 19 awardees.
He also received a tricycle and various items for his outstanding performance.
Other winners received a range of prizes, including television sets, Wellington boots, spraying machines, cutlasses, wax prints, wheelbarrows, insecticides, roller planters, fertilizers, watering cans, refrigerators, animal feed, motorbikes and certificates.
Mr. Wisdom Osei Boamah, the Municipal Chief Executive, highlighted the “Nkokonketenkete” project, which aims to reduce import dependency and economic hardships by supporting households to rear birds.
He said the municipality had received 10,000 chicks for distribution under the initiative.
He also announced the completion of a 10-kilometre road and a three-unit classroom block in the community, calling for continued collaboration to promote development, peace, and prosperity.
Mr. Daniel Peprah, the Municipal Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), urged farmers to reflect on the theme: “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future.”
He encouraged them to adopt smart and sustainable agricultural practices, including the use of improved seeds, modern technology, and good agronomic methods to boost production for households, schools, and markets.
“Let us pledge to feed Ghana with all our might, to eat Ghana with all our pride, and together secure the future for generations to come,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Yussif Ibrahim/Kenneth Odeng Adade