2024 National Best Farmer receives GH¢1m prize
The 2024 National Best Farmer, Nana Owusu Achiaw Brempong, says he will invest his GH¢1 million prize money to acquire a combine harvester to support his efforts to mechanise operations and boost productivity.
He stated that although he already owned one combine harvester, an additional one would significantly improve crop yields, enhance food quality and reduce post-harvest losses.
The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) sponsors the ultimate prize of the National Best Farmer with an equivalent of GH¢1 million for a project of the winner’s choice.
The 71-year-old farmer also called on stakeholders to collaborate in finding lasting solutions to land degradation across the country, which continues to impact food production and quality.
"Yes, I proposed investing my prize money through the bank to purchase a combine harvester because I want to reduce losses caused by poor harvesting services. Without that equipment, crops can easily get spoiled," Nana Brempong told the Daily Graphic in an interview.
"With a combine harvester, the crops are much cleaner, neater and free from aflatoxins. I already have one, but since I'm cultivating 3,000 acres, I need additional equipment," he added.
Nana Brempong, also the Chief of Agona-Akrofonso in the Ashanti Region, was speaking to the Daily Graphic after a ceremony in Accra recently to present prizes to some of the best farmers.
In addition to the ultimate prize, the ceremony witnessed the presentation of cash prizes of GH¢200,000 each, fully sponsored by the government, to three other distinguished national award winners - Ernestina Osei Tutu (2024 National Best Female Farmer), Stephen Addo (2024 National Best Physically Challenged Farmer) and Noah Obeng (2024 National Best Livestock Farmer).
Notable among the dignitaries at the event were the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, and his deputy, John Dumelo, Deputy Managing Director, Operations, ADB, Sylvia Nyanteh, Chief Director, Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Paul Siameh, Chairman of the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association of Ghana, Davies Narh Korboe, the General Manager, Agribusiness, ADB, Kwame Attrams, Deputy Director, Agric Extension Services, Prospera Anku, and Director of Crop Services, MoFA, Solomon Gyan Ansah.
Youth in agriculture
Nana Brempong urged the youth to look beyond white-collar jobs and consider agriculture a viable and rewarding career.
"I want to use this occasion to call upon the youth and encourage them to look beyond what we popularly term "white collar jobs" and join the agricultural industry, for there is no collar job better than feeding the world," he said.
Shared commitment
Speaking at the event, the Food and Agriculture Minister apologised to the award winners for the delay in presenting their cash prizes, explaining that he was unaware of the issue.
Mr Poku assured them that he would personally ensure the prizes were paid on the day of the celebration. The minister added that his outfit was dedicated to advancing agricultural productivity through the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA), led by the Feed Ghana Programme.
"We are determined to ensure that our farmers are empowered with the tools, inputs, knowledge, and recognition they deserve to thrive in a competitive and climate-resilient agricultural economy," he said.
Commendation
Mr Poku commended the ADB for its strong support of Ghana's agricultural sector, especially for awarding GH¢1 million to National Best Farmers over the years.
"Your continued partnership remains a cornerstone in our national effort to reward and motivate excellence in agriculture," he said.
Critical role
Ms Nyanteh, who spoke on behalf of the Managing Director of ADB, Edward Ato Sarpong, said the ADB remained committed to ensuring that the agricultural sector continues to play its critical role in driving the economy and national development.”
The National Farmers Day is held annually to reward the country's hardworking farmers from the districts and regions.
