Nana Owusu Achiaw Brempong, 2024 National Best Farmer, has received a cheque for GH¢1 million in recognition of his contribution to agriculture.
The 70-year-old farmer from Sekyere Central District in the Ashanti Region was honoured at the 40th National Farmers’ Day celebration.
Mr. Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture, presented the cheque to Nana Brempong and three other awardees: Madam Ernestina Osei Tutu, National Best Female Farmer; Mr. Noah Obeng, National Best Livestock Farmer; and Mr. Steven Addo, National Best Farmer with Disability, at a ceremony in Accra.
The Agriculture Development Bank (ADB) sponsored the National Best Farmer award, while government funded the remaining prizes totalling GH¢200,000.
Mr. Opoku said the gesture reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a key driver of national development.
He assured of continued support for the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda, with the Feed Ghana programme as its flagship initiative.
“We are determined to ensure that our farmers are empowered with the tools, inputs, knowledge and recognition they deserve to drive a competitive and climate-resilient agricultural economy,” he said.
Receiving the cheque, Nana Brempong said the funds would support an out-grower scheme to create jobs and boost production.
He said that part of the money would be used to acquire a combined harvester to improve produce quality and reduce post-harvest losses.
“My current post-harvest loss is about three per cent, but I want to reduce it to zero,” he said.
Nana Brempong described the honour as motivation to continue working tirelessly to feed the nation.
He expressed concern over climate change and land degradation, urging the government to implement lasting solutions to safeguard food security.
He urged the youth to venture into agriculture, describing it as a profitable and sustainable livelihood.
Mr. Edward Ato Sarpong, Managing Director of ADB, commended Nana Brempong and reiterated the Bank’s commitment to supporting agriculture as a pillar of economic growth.
He said ADB remained a strategic partner in all government agricultural programmes and projects.
“We are equally poised to support the implementation of initiatives aimed at improving food security and providing raw materials for agro-based industries,” he said.
By Albert Oppong Ansah