The Overall Best National Farmer for 2025, Mr Opanyin Abraham Kwaku Adusei has appealed to government to make irrigation infrastructural development a priority to help farmers produce more output.
Delivering a speech on Friday, December 5 after he has been adjudged winner of the prize, Kwaku Adusei noted that “areas including but not limited to the Afram plains are blessed with much fertile lands and holds immense potential to become the food basket of our nation if only we can ensure reliable access to water.”
He stressed that the issue of irrigation infrastructural development remains critical to the sustainability of the country’s agriculture sector.
The 82-year-old farmer expressed excitement over government’s plan to include irrigation infrastructural development in the Feed Ghana Programme, an initiative which seeks to ensure food security and adequate farm produce for the country.
“This, to me, is a step in the right direction towards achieving the goal of the Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana and secure the future Agenda,” he remarked.
He further commended the President for his commitment to construct a bridge over the Afram river and rehabilitate the roads within the Afram Plains.
These interventions, he said will not only enhance agricultural productivity but will also boost rural economies, create jobs and transform families.
The 2009 Eastern Regional Best Farmer expressed gratitude to government for celebrating the 41st National Farmer’s Day and honouring him with the covetous prize.
“On this momentous occasion marking the 41st National Farmer’s Day Celebration, I rise with profound humility and gratitude to extend on behalf of all farmers of our beloved nation, our sincerest appreciation to everyone who has made this day possible.
“Permit me Your Excellency to express my deepest gratitude to you and to the Republic of Ghana for sustaining this noble tradition of celebrating and rewarding the tireless efforts of our nation’s farmers and fishers,” he said.
“Your continued commitment to the advancement of agriculture remains a beacon of hope for us all,” he added.
He also dedicated the award to all Ghanaian farmers who have worked hard over the years to ensure sustainability of the agricultural industry and fed the nation.
“This distinguished recognition is not mine alone, it belongs equally to the thousands of hardworking Ghanaian farmers. Men and women whose hard work and sacrifices feed our nation, sustain our industry and strengthen our economy. To all of them, I say Ayekoo,” he noted.
The 1st runner up was Osman Kadiri while the 2nd runner up went to 63-year-old Charles Gyato from the Oti Region.
The received cash prizes for their hard work.
The awards were presented to them by President John Mahama during the 41st National Farmers Day Awards Ceremony in Ho, the Volta Regional Capital.
