ADB supports Farmers Day celebrations - Presents GH¢1m for Best Farmer

The Agricultural Development Bank (PLC) has presented a cheque for GH¢1 million as reward for this year’s Best Farmer.

All pre-events for the National Farmers Day celebration would also be catered for by ADB, the title sponsors of the 40th edition of the celebration.

The Deputy Managing Director of ADB, Eno Ofori Atta, presented the cheque on behalf of the Managing Director of the bank, Alhassan Yakubu Tali.

In a speech read on his behalf, Mr Tali said the bank was committed to improving the security of farmers, ensuring an all-year productivity and creating employment opportunities for the youth.

The MD also said that the bank was investing more in technology to help farmers better appreciate climate change and its effects.

Activities

The annual event, which begins next Monday with a series of activities, will be climaxed on November 8, 2024, at the Kempiski Hotel in Accra.

The week-long celebration will be marked with a welcome cocktail, exhibition of various agricultural products and a forum which will see players in the agriculture value chain participate in share knowledge of best practice and adaptation to climate change.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will be the special guest of honour at the gala night.

This year's ceremony will be different from previous activities, because nine winners in different categories will be selected from the 16 regions of the country to gather in Accra to be recognised for their excellent performances in the crop, fisheries, cocoa and livestock sectors.

Also, the best farmer would be required to present a proposal on how to utilise the prize money to expand his or her farm to impact the community.

Once the proposal is approved by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), ADB will present the cash for its implementation.

Appreciation

The Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture in charge of Crops, Yaw Frimpong Addo, expressed appreciation to the bank for sticking with the award ceremony for 40 years.

"We recognise you as our star player for the event and we really appreciate your continuous support for the programme. Ghanaian farmers are most grateful,” he said.

The deputy minister urged the private sector to invest more in agribusiness for accelerated economic growth.