Women farmers make Ghana proud
Since Madam Efua Frimpongmaa, a large-scale farmer in the Central Region, was crowned the first female best farmer at the 20th edition of the National Best Farmers Day celebration, held in the Volta Region in 2004, more women have distinguished themselves in the annual event, winning various awards.
At this year’s event held at Sefwi Wiawso in the Western Region last Friday, Madam Adwoa Awo of Suhenso in the Western Region emerged the Most Promising Female Cocoa Farmer.
From Sowutuom in the Ga Central Municipal Assembly, Charles Andoh reports that Mrs Augustina Narh of the Charis Farms was last Friday adjudged the Best Farmer at the 30th National Farmers Day in the municipality.
The 52-year-old award winner, who is married to Rev. Emmanuel Narh, said she had been involved in farming for the past 12 years, with support from her husband.
She is a poultry farmer and rears guinea fowls on a large scale. She also has permanent staff members as well as casual workers who assist her in her business.
Acceptance speech
In an acceptance speech, Mrs Narh expressed her appreciation for the honour bestowed on her and promised to work harder to increase food production in the country.
For her prize, Mrs Narh walked home with one deep freezer, a knapsack sprayer, a wire mesh, three pairs of wellington boots, one wheel barrow, 10 bags of wheat bran and a half piece of wax print.
Other awardees
Other farmers who were awarded were Ms Doris Akpene Mavis, Best Woman Farmer; Ms Gifty Attoh, Best Poultry Farmer and Ms Joana A. Paintsil, Best Market Woman.
Alhaji Mumuni Haruna also emerged the Best Sheep Farmer, while 27-year old Emmanuel Quainoo of Emmasco Farms emerged the Best Rabbit Farmer, with the Best Grasscutter Farmer going to Mr Stephen Kankam Yeboah of Sky-kan Farms.
Mr Emmanuel Kingsley Appiah, a Zoologist, was also adjudged the Best Environmentalist, while Mr Osei Mireku was named the Best Goat Farmer.
The Best Meat Processor went to Mr Shadrack Azangweo of Apple Jack Farms, with the Best Vegetable Farmer going to Mr Huudi Ali.
They were also given free health screening by Mary-Lucy Hospital.
From the Ashaiman municipality, Della Russel Ocloo reports that a 72-year-old physically challenged woman, Madam Linda Abayateye, was adjudged the Best Farmer for the municipality at the 30th edition of the Farmers Day held at Ashaiman.
Madam Abayateye has been farming for the last 20 years and according to officials of the Municipal Agriculture Directorate, she was chosen because of her commitment and dedication, coupled with the professional touch that she attached to her work.
Addressing the gathering, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Ibrahim Baidoo, bemoaned the continuous importation of basic commodities which could be produced locally.
In another report, Felix A. Baidoo writes from Agyareago that 45-year-old farmer, Madam Adwoa Boamah, who is General Manager of Abrantie Farms at Praso in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality, emerged the Best Farmer in the area.
She took home a knapsack sprayer, motorbike, a packet of roofing sheet, 10 bags of cement, a mobile phone, machetes, radio set, agro chemicals and a pair of wellington boots.
Other 17 farmers also received similar prizes as the winner.
The Municipal Chief Executive of Asante Akim Central, Alhaji Briamah Boyong, congratulated the gallant farmers and fishermen and commended them for their dedication towards the provision of food to feed the nation and for export.
