By Stephen Asante/James Amoh Jnr
Tarkwa (W/R), Dec. 01, GNA – Madam Charity Akortia, 57, has been adjudged the 2023 Overall National Best Farmer at the 39th National Farmers’ Day Celebration, held at Tarkwa, in the Western Region.
The winner, a mixed farmer in the Agona West District of the Central Region, received one million Ghana Cedis as her prize.
Theophilus Ackah, also a mixed farmer, emerged as the First Runner-up and was given a tractor, trailer and sprayer, while Kwaku Asiamah, a mixed farmer, took the Second Runner-up position, and went home with a tractor and implements.
In all, 16 Ghanaian farmers who have distinguished themselves in their businesses were awarded for their dedicated services to the nation.
The other award categories include: National Best Female Farmer, National Best Physically-Challenged Farmer, National Best Livestock Farmer, National Best Fish Processor, National Best Fisher and National Best Cocoa Farmer.
The prizes ranged from cash prizes, plaques to KIA double cabin trucks.
This year’s celebration of the Farmers’ Day was held on the theme: “Delivering Smart Solutions for Food Security and Resilience”.
It was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to recognise the unwavering efforts of the Ghanaian farmer to ensure food security and agricultural growth.
In an address, Vice-President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, lauded the award winners for the feat achieved.
He lauded farmers for being the cornerstone of the nation’s agricultural growth, saying the nation was appreciative of their commitment and patriotism.
Agriculture, he said, held the key to the nation’s growth amid the global development challenges.
The government was determined to inject the requisite resources into the sector for progress, he assured.
“There is still a lot that can be done to enhance efficiency in all the agricultural value chains,” he noted.
Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Minister of Food and Agriculture, expressed optimism that the country would achieve food sufficiency soon given the vibrant nature of the second phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative.
Nana Yaw Sarpong Sriboe was the 2022 National Best Farmer.
GNA