Celebrating 40 Years of Farmers’ Day in Effutu Municipal Assembly

The 40th Farmers’ Day celebration in Osubonpanyin brought together dignitaries, local leaders, and farmers under the theme “Building a Climate Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security” on November 8, 2024. The Osubonpanyin Community Centre was alive with gratitude and praise as stakeholders underscored the invaluable role of farmers in sustaining livelihoods and food security.

The event was chaired by Neenyi Ackon Agyeifi VI, who reflected on Osubonpanyin’s longstanding support for Farmers’ Day. “Ten years ago, we celebrated here; today, we honour our farmers again, despite the day’s solemn tone due to a local funeral,” he said, affirming his commitment to making this anniversary remarkable.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Effutu Municipal Assembly, Hon. Alhaji Zubairu Kassim, delivered a speech on behalf of the President, stressing the urgent need for climate-adaptive practices in agriculture. “Our planet faces unprecedented challenges,” he noted, “which threaten agricultural yields. It’s time for us to embrace climate-resilient techniques to secure our future food supply.” He urged farmers to adopt methods like crop rotation and Agro-farming, and encouraged the youth to enter agriculture, stating, “The youth are our future, and we must create educational and financial pathways to draw them into farming.”

Municipal Environmental Health Officer also shared insights on the recent cholera outbreaks and underscoring the importance of sanitation practices in farming communities.

Agric director Mr. Ebenezer Azasu acknowledged the dedication of farmers and stressed the importance of investing in sustainable practices. “With agriculture, life is better for all of us. But we must continue to evolve,” he said, pointing to new technologies and climate-friendly techniques as keys to enduring agricultural prosperity. Mr. Azasu called for improvements in livestock and fishing methods to adapt to changing conditions.

The event, supported by numerous local sponsors and media partners, honoured 15 exemplary farmers and an extension officer. The highlight was the announcement of Mr. Gilbert Ansah as the Best Farmer of the Year. Mr. Ansah received his award with gratitude, acknowledging the challenges of funding and labour shortages due to illegal mining activities. He noted, “With UEW Cooperative Union’s assistance, our loans have boosted productivity. We hope such support continues.”

As the celebration concluded, Hon.  Alhaji Zubairu Kassim presented additional gifts of fertilizers and cash to Winneba Senior High School and chiefs of neighbouring communities, expressing his appreciation for their unyielding commitment. He urged attendees to ensure peace in the upcoming elections, adding, “Unity in our community is essential for sustaining the progress of our agricultural efforts.”

The day’s celebration was a testament to the endurance and resilience of Ghanaian farmers, showcasing the support and recognition they deserve in an era of environmental change.