The youth in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region have received commendation for availing themselves of the Government’s agricultural programmes to enhance their livelihood.

“Many of our youth who, hitherto, were engaged in illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), have abandoned that trade.

“This is because they have found solace in farming and now taking up professions along the agro value chain, thanks to initiatives such as the ‘Planting for Food and Jobs’, and ‘Rearing for Food and Jobs,” Mr William Asante-Bediako, the District Chief Executive (DCE), noted.

Addressing the District’s Farmers’ Day celebration at Manso Keniago, he explained that this development was a welcoming one given the District’s history in mining activities.

“I am cautioning the youth to sustain this momentum in order to change their lives for the better, instead of spending all their energies on ‘galamsey’, which comes with its own repercussions on the environment” he said.

The programme was on the theme: “Enhancing Small-Scale Agriculture towards Agribusiness Development,” and more than 20 individuals and organisations were honoured for their selfless and committed work to improving agriculture in the country.

Sulemana Hamidu, 36, was voted the District’s Best Farmer, and received a tricycle, knapsack sprayer, five cutlasses, Wellington boots, insecticide and weedicide, as well as half piece cloth.

He has cultivated 28 acres of cocoa, five acres of cassava and plantain, two acres of cabbage, an acre of green pepper, 8,500 poultry birds, 120 cattle, 60 sheep, 42 each of goats and turkey.

The other award winners were also presented with prizes, including refrigerator, cutlasses, Wellington boots, insecticide, weedicide, and cutlasses.

Mr Asante-Bediako said agriculture held lots of prospects for the nation, and commended the Government for its efforts at transforming the sector.