Madam Mary Tweneboa, a 51-year-old woman from Praaso, has been adjudged the 2024 best farmer for Asante-Akim Central Municipality.

She took home a tricycle, refrigerator, and farm inputs at the Municipal celebration of the 40th edition of the National Farmers’ Day, held at Boatengkrom.

It was on the theme, “Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security.” A total of 12 farmers, including five women, were recognised for their tireless efforts towards food production in the Municipality throughout the year.

Mr. Robert Yaw Kwakye, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), said this year’s theme was a clarion call, which required stakeholders to put in place mechanisms to adapt to climate change and weather variability.

He said drought, floods and unexpected weather changes had shown how vulnerable the food supply systems could be, and applauded the gallant farmers for demonstrating that vulnerability does not mean defeat. “At the heart of climate-resilient agriculture is the ability to work on our lands on sustainable basis.

Our lands have been very reliable and supportive in providing food, source of livelihoods, and sustenance of our very existence,” the MCE noted.

He stated that the government under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo remained committed to implementing programmes and policies that empowered the Ghanaian farmer. He said through the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative, the government was working to expand opportunities for farmers as part of efforts to make the agricultural sector resilient.

A recent distribution of oil palm and coconut seedlings to farmers in the Municipality, according to the MCE, emphasised the commitment of the government towards generating sustainable income and fostering growth in agricultural communities.

The MCE also paid glowing tribute to all other farmers who did not win an award and reminded them that every effort they made ensured that communities and the nation were fed. Madam Martha Armah, the Municipal Director of Agriculture commended her staff for their selfless sacrifices despite all the challenges they faced in ensuring maximum food production in the Municipality.

She thanked farmers in the Municipality for their cooperation with her outfit and their contribution to food security, assuring them that, the offices of the Department of Agriculture were always open to them.

The overall best famer thanked the Department of Agriculture and the Municipal Assembly for recognising the efforts of farmers and pledged their commitment to even work harder in the coming years.