farmers day – Adomonline.com https://www.adomonline.com Your comprehensive news portal Sun, 10 Nov 2024 18:37:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://www.adomonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/cropped-Adomonline140-32x32.png farmers day – Adomonline.com https://www.adomonline.com 32 32 Akufo-Addo outlines vision for climate-resilient agriculture at Farmers’ Day celebration https://www.adomonline.com/akufo-addo-outlines-vision-for-climate-resilient-agriculture-at-farmers-day-celebration/ Sun, 10 Nov 2024 18:37:15 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2470318 During the 40th National Farmers’ Day celebration on Friday, November 8, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo stressed the need for climate-resilient agriculture in Ghana, citing climate change as a major threat to food security and agricultural productivity.

Under the theme “Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security,” President Akufo-Addo outlined his administration’s approach to mitigate the effects of erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures on Ghana’s agriculture.

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a pressing reality that our farmers confront every day,” he declared, highlighting agriculture’s vulnerability to climate extremes and their impact on food production and the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians. The President emphasized the urgency, stating, “We must adopt proactive and innovative approaches to equip our farmers with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to build resilience.”

Central to this approach is the second phase of the Programme for Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ 2.0), launched in August 2023. Designed to support farmers in adapting to changing climatic conditions, PFJ 2.0 includes measures aimed at securing Ghana’s food supply.

A key component is the Ghana Agriculture and Agribusiness Platform (GhAAP), a digital tool providing farmers with real-time updates on weather, pest and disease surveillance, and food security trends. “This platform is more than just a tool; it is a lifeline for our farmers,” Akufo-Addo emphasized.

Water management is another critical area in building climate resilience. Recognizing the limitations of rain-fed agriculture, the government has expanded irrigation infrastructure under PFJ 2.0, developing facilities across Northern, Upper East, Upper West, and Eastern Regions, covering 4,870 hectares.

These projects enable year-round cultivation, reducing dependency on seasonal rainfall. Furthermore, the construction of 232 solar-powered boreholes will irrigate an additional 3,144 hectares, using solar energy to support sustainable, year-round crop production.

The President also highlighted the importance of soil health in resilient agriculture. Soil management programs are promoting organic practices, soil testing, and sustainable fertilization methods.

By encouraging practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and organic amendments, these programs aim to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and improve soil resilience. “Healthy soil is the foundation of agriculture, and we are determined to protect it,” he affirmed.

To address crop vulnerability, Ghana has invested in developing and distributing climate-resilient crop varieties in collaboration with research institutions.

These include drought-resistant and heat-tolerant strains of maize, cassava, and sorghum, as well as pest-resistant vegetables. “By making these crop varieties accessible, we are equipping farmers to continue thriving despite climate uncertainties,” Akufo-Addo noted.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) also forms a vital part of the government’s strategy. To combat the growing prevalence of pests and diseases due to changing weather, the government introduced IPM practices that minimize environmental impact.

Training for farmers covers methods like using natural predators, crop rotation, and physical barriers, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.

The President stressed the importance of community resilience and capacity building. Through various training programs, farmers are learning climate-smart techniques to manage water, adjust planting schedules, and adopt conservation practices. “Climate resilience goes beyond infrastructure; it requires knowledge and skills,” he noted.

Agroforestry and reforestation also contribute to Ghana’s resilience strategy. Agroforestry practices integrate trees into farming landscapes, reducing soil erosion, enhancing soil fertility, and providing shade.

The Planting for Exports and Rural Development (PERD) module under PFJ 1.0 has supported the planting of tree crops like cashew, rubber, and oil palm, benefiting the economy and stabilizing the environment. “Trees act as carbon sinks, helping us combat climate change,” Akufo-Addo explained.

Finally, post-harvest infrastructure is essential to mitigate crop spoilage risks from climate fluctuations. The government is building aggregation centers and packhouses, with a 6,000-metric-ton silo in Hwehwee for storing staple crops.

These facilities reduce post-harvest losses, ensuring food availability during off-seasons. “These facilities reduce post-harvest losses and protect farmers from unpredictable climate conditions,” he remarked.

President Akufo-Addo concluded by reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to sustainable agriculture: “By investing in water management, soil health, climate-resilient crops, and infrastructure, we are positioning Ghana as a model of climate-smart agriculture on the continent.”

As Ghana faces the challenges of climate change, the government’s initiatives aim to create an agricultural sector that thrives, supporting the livelihoods of millions and ensuring a sustainable future.

]]> GAWU calls on political parties to prioritise the concerns of farmers https://www.adomonline.com/gawu-calls-on-political-parties-to-prioritise-the-concerns-of-farmers/ Fri, 08 Nov 2024 17:18:01 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2470043 The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), ahead of the 2024 election, has urged political parties to prioritize the concerns of farmers in the country.

In a statement to commemorate the 40th Farmers’ Day celebration, GAWU lamented that farmers remain poor despite their significant contribution to the agricultural value chain.

The statement, signed by the Secretary, Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe, cited post-harvest losses, unfair pricing mechanisms, inadequate access to inputs, harsh climatic conditions, and the worsening situation of illegal mining in the country, adding that the situation requires urgent attention.

GAWU has appealed to the government to also address the pressing issues impacting food security in the country, with an emphasis on illegal mining, which continues to pollute water bodies, degrade forest cover, and destroy arable farmlands.

“Galamsey, as it is locally termed, if not curtailed, has the potential to harm the environment, reduce productivity, and jeopardize food security,” the statement indicated.

GAWU further reminded the government to fulfill its promise to organize labor by taking decisive action to curb illegal mining.

 

Read the full statement below:

 

]]> Friday, November 8 not a public holiday despite Farmers’ Day celebration https://www.adomonline.com/friday-november-8-not-a-public-holiday-despite-farmers-day-celebration/ Tue, 05 Nov 2024 13:06:09 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2468711 The Ministry of Interior has announced that Friday, November 8, 2024, will not be a public holiday despite the celebration of the 40th Farmers’ Day.

The date has been moved from the traditional first Friday of December, which would have been December 6, for the 2024 celebration.

However, this rescheduling has been necessitated by the upcoming general elections.

The Interior Ministry noted in a statement that December 6 remains the statutory holiday despite the early celebration.

ALSO READ:

]]> 39th National Farmers’ Day to be celebrated at Tarkwa today https://www.adomonline.com/39th-national-farmers-day-to-be-celebrated-at-tarkwa-today/ Fri, 01 Dec 2023 09:17:27 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2326660 The annual National Farmers’ Day celebration is set to take place at the University of Mines and Technology in Tarkwa, Western Region Today, December 1, 2023.

The 39th edition of the event will feature a grand dinner for both celebrants and awardees, with President Akufo-Addo serving as the Guest of Honor.

The Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Agriculture, Tanko Bagbara highlighted efforts to make agriculture more appealing to the youth.

In an interview on Citi FM, Mr Bagbara emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to advancing mechanized agriculture and assured that ample resources are ready to be deployed to bolster the agricultural sector.

“This year’s agriculture will be made dignified, corporate, and attractive for the youth. The ministry is looking at a mechanized form of agriculture with efficiency. An era of Smart farming is the way forward. We are looking for smart solutions effectively and efficiently; to reduce the drudgery that our great-grandfathers deployed. It may be a reason the youth never want to get involved! Planting for Food and Jobs Phase II is the clear path, and yes. All can be involved in hiring laborers,” he said.

“Mechanisation and smart farming are the way forward. The Ministry of Agric is ready to deploy enough resources; agriculture will be made easy for the youth,” he stated.

Mr Bagbara added that there are comprehensive long-term plans in motion for Ghana to produce its fertilizer, thereby putting an end to importation and assuring that the locally produced fertilizer would be both affordable and readily available for Ghanaian farmers.

]]> Friday, December 1 declared as public holiday https://www.adomonline.com/friday-december-1-declared-as-public-holiday/ Tue, 28 Nov 2023 08:32:19 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2325052 Government, through the Interior Ministry, has declared Friday, December 1, 2023, as a statutory holiday to mark the annual Farmers’ Day celebration.

A statement, signed by the sector Minister, Ambrose Dery, has urged the public to observe the day as such throughout the country.

This year’s celebration, which will be the 39th edition is themed: “Delivering smart for sustainable food security and resilience”.

The celebration on Monday kickstarted with a National Agricultural Fair at the Ministries enclave and will end on Friday.

The last day of the National Agricultural Fair which falls on Friday would be celebrated with a Grand Durbar and Awards Ceremony in the Western region.

President Nana Akufo-Addo will confer national honours on best-performing farmers.

ALSO READ:

]]> 38th Farmers’ Day: Ahafo farmers commence day with fufu galore https://www.adomonline.com/38th-farmers-day-ahafo-farmers-commence-day-with-fufu-galore/ Fri, 02 Dec 2022 14:05:56 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2191024 Farmers in the Ahafo district have fostered unity in their special way to mark this year’s Farmers’ Day.

As part of activities scheduled for the 38th Farmers’ Day, the producers gathered at the venue at Gyedu in the Asutifi North District to have a fufu galore.

The food preparation was left in the hands of the abled men who gave the women a run for their monies with the large portion delicacy.

After the galore, the farmers will begin an official opening of an agricultural fair to exhibit their produce after which the deserving farmers will be rewarded.

This year’s theme is ‘Accelerating Agriculture Development through Value Addition’ in response to the current global economic crises and national constraint.

Some of the awardees will go home with tricycles (aboboyaa), agro-processors, farming equipment and cash prices.

]]> Govt to establish Land Information Bank – Akufo-Addo https://www.adomonline.com/govt-to-establish-land-information-bank-akufo-addo/ Sat, 04 Dec 2021 14:25:35 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2053772 President Nana Akufo-Addo has announced the government’s plan to establish an Agricultural Land Information Bank.

This, according to him, forms part of the ‘Ghana Cares Obaatanpa’ programme, and it will enable landowners to make lands they intend to lease, available to investors.

President Akufo-Addo made the announcement at the 2021 National Farmers’ Day celebration on Friday, December 3, 2021, in Cape Coast.

The president explained the establishment will also help to address challenges associated with land searches for farming and other investment purposes, as well as reduce related costs.

“Government is aware that investors continue to face challenges with respect to accessing agricultural land due to the unfortunate multiple land tenure arrangements and the absence of satisfactory documentation on land titles.

“As part of the Ghana Cares Obaatanpa programme, the government is creating an agricultural land information bank which will enable landowners to put forward lands they intend to lease to investors,” he said.

He also announced that a framework for subsidy on loans granted to agribusinesses is in the offing.

“A framework is being developed to provide a 50% interest rate subsidy for loans advanced to qualified agribusiness by financial institutions.

“This will be extended to qualified farmers to expand poultry production operations for hatchery and processing plants,” he added.

ALSO READ:

The target, he noted, is to support the farmers with affordable financing to produce five million broiler birds equivalent to 10,000 metric tonnes of meat by the end of this month of December.

This year’s celebration was themed, Planting for food and jobs – Consolidating food systems in Ghana.

]]> School Feeding boss applauds farmers; makes big promise to caterers https://www.adomonline.com/school-feeding-boss-applauds-farmers-makes-big-promise-to-caterers/ Sat, 04 Dec 2021 00:22:54 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2053766 The National Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme, Gertrude Quashigah, has congratulated the winners of the 2021 edition of the National Farmers and Fishermen’s Day celebration.

She has also lauded their continual efforts to serve as the backbone of national development.

According to her, agriculture is not only the backbone of Ghana’s development but also the foundation, which the Ghana School Feeding Programme drives its vision and operation.

She stated that the vision of the Ghana School Feeding Programme would continue to attain higher heights as “we champion food security in Ghana as a people.”

The food expert noted that the theme for the 2021 Farmers Day Celebration ‘Planting for Food and Jobs – Consolidating Food Systems in Ghana’ is timely since it will afford the country to focus on agriculture as the major frontline tool for development.

Mrs Quashigah has further underscored that raising the next generation of healthy school children is the bedrock of the school feeding programme premised on the advancement of agriculture towards realising the Sustainable Development Goals one to six.

Additionally, Mrs Quashigah said the third (3rd) Pillar of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) policy framework for agricultural transformation, wealth creation, food security and nutrition, economic growth and prosperity for all, is critical towards ensuring effective implementation of the Ghana School Feeding Programme.

She has, however, applauded Government efforts to expand the programme towards steadily achieving a national coverage from 3 .4 million to 4 million pupils (immediately increasing the coverage from the current 71.8 % to 84.5%).

ALSO READ:

Mrs Quashigah has also expressed gratitude to the Chief of Staff, Mrs Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, for highlighting the significant contributions of the Ghana School Feeding Programme as a results-driven Social Protection Programme in Ghana, during the 2021 UG Alumni Lecture on the theme ‘Social Protection in Ghana: Are we on track?’

TV Program

The National Coordinator has further said that as part of creative ways to ensure an effective management and operational delivery of cooking services by caterers across the country, she will soon introduce a TV Show that will be broadcast on Television and Social Media, to offer school feeding caterers an innovative and cost effective ways of cooking.

This she hopes will be a game changer towards enhancing the skills and capacities of caterers nationwide to deliver on the mandate of school feeding vision.

Mrs Gertrude Quashigah has therefore wished farmers and fishermen nationwide a happy Farmers’ Day.

]]> #Farmers’ Day: Ghanaians celebrate farmers on social media https://www.adomonline.com/farmers-day-ghanaians-celebrate-farmers-on-social-media/ Fri, 03 Dec 2021 13:14:30 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2053701 There are lots of reactions trickling in on social media as Ghanaians celebrate the Farmers’ Day holiday.

The government has set aside the first Friday in December to commemorate farmers and fishermen nationwide.

This year’s celebration, which is the 37th edition, fell on Friday, December 3 on the theme: Planting for food and jobs – Consolidating food systems in Ghana.

The celebrations kickstarted on November 29 with an Agricultural Fair, Exhibition and Regional Focus Days.

A Grand Durbar and Award Ceremony will be held in Cape Coast to award several individuals in the agricultural sector for their immense contribution to the country.

On social media, farmers, who worked hard to produce food for the country, are being celebrated by Ghanaians, others are also displaying photos of how they’re observing the holiday at home or even in their farms.

They have also been calls for the government to support farmers and make the sector attractive and lucrative.

Others have also proposed a move from traditional farming methods to the use of mechanised equipment to increase productivity.

]]> 36th edition of National Farmers’ Day celebration delayed, this is why https://www.adomonline.com/36th-edition-of-national-farmers-day-celebration-delayed-this-is-why/ Fri, 06 Nov 2020 15:22:05 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=1877562 The 2020 National Farmers’ Day celebration at Techiman in the Bono East region today, November 6, 2020, delayed.

The 36th edition is been held on the theme: ‘Agribusiness Development under Covid 19 – Opportunities and Challenges.’

Adom FM’s reporter, Christian Kumah reported all was set for the celebration at the Techiman School part.

ALSO READ:

He noted residents from all parts of the region trooped to Techiman to share in the joy of farmers.

The Farmers’ Day celebration was introduced by the erstwhile Provisional National Defence Council government in 1985.

It is an annual event aimed at recognising the vital role played by farmers and fishers in the country’s economy.

]]> Togbe Afede breaks silence on Farmers’ Day snub https://www.adomonline.com/togbe-afede-breaks-silence-on-farmers-day-snub/ Fri, 13 Dec 2019 05:51:07 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=1732042 The Agbogbomefia of Ho, Togbe Afede XIV, has broken his silence on his absence from the National Farmers’ Day ceremony in the Volta Regional capital on December 6.

According to the President of the National House of Chiefs, he was scheduled to chair the ceremony but his name was taken out from the guest list at the eleventh hour.

GraphicOnline reported that speaking at the last meeting of the year in Kumasi, the Chief said he had travelled to Ho for the ceremony a day earlier.

Togbe Afede did not give any reason why he was excluded from the programme but it is believed, it is due to a recent difference in opinion with the government, Graphic said.

The National House of Chiefs had called on voters to reject the introduction of political party participation in local government in a scheduled referendum while the government was campaigning for changing the law to allow the parties to participate.

The House of Chiefs said in a statement that they were concerned partisan politics at the local level would be accompanied by the unwholesome political culture and corruption which has done a lot of harm to the society.

Although some members dissented, the House of Chiefs led by Togbe Afede maintained their position to reject political party participation in local government.

The referendum was eventually called off for lack of a national consensus as the biggest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was also opposed to the question.

Meanwhile, the Awomefia of the Anlo State Togbe Sri III, chaired the Farmers’ Day celebrations.

Full statement below

]]> Farmers Day: MP promises farmers free cutlasses in 2018 https://www.adomonline.com/farmers-day-mp-promises-farmers-free-cutlasses-2018/ Fri, 01 Dec 2017 14:21:36 +0000 http://35.232.176.128/ghana-news/?p=723741 The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for the Gomoa East Constituency, Mr Kojo Asemanyi, has pledged wholeheartedly to distribute farming equipment specifically cutlasses to all farmers during the 2018 farming season.
He made the promise at the Farmers day celebration in Gomoa Buduatta in the Gomoa East District of the Central region
According to him, it will serve as a prerequisite to boosting the agriculture sector of Ghana.
Today, December 1, 2017, marks Ghana’s 33rd National Farmers’ Day celebration. The National Farmers’ Day is commemorated each year to honour Ghanaian farmers and fishermen.
The theme for this year’s celebration is, “Planting for Food and Jobs”.
 

]]> Mahama salutes farmers https://www.adomonline.com/mahama-salutes-farmers/ Fri, 01 Dec 2017 12:58:03 +0000 http://35.232.176.128/ghana-news/?p=723571 Former president John Dramani Mahama has congratulated farmers and fishermen across the country on the occasion of Farmers’ Day.
While commending farmers for providing food for the country, Mr Mahama urged Ghanaians to remind themselves of the hardships farmers go through.
“Let us also remind ourselves of the difficulties they confront in order to provide food for the nation and contribute to our foreign exchange earnings…” he stated.
Through a post on Facebook, the former Ghanaian leader maintained that his administration “started working on addressing issues of access to finance and mechanised equipment, to help boost productivity and profits. We reinvigorated the Agricultural Mechanisation Centres and launched a Farmer Services Centre Programme that was going to make available affordable and modern equipment to all farmers across the country.
“Funding under the EDAIF was scaled up, and distribution of inputs prioritised. A decent number of fish storage and processing facilities were provided and we also sourced critical funding from Canada, which is financing key programmes in the agricultural sector today.
“We also initiated a programme to attract more of our youth into farming, and I am happy that the results have begun to show.”
“Congratulations once again and a happy Farmers Day to us all.”
Today, 1 December, 2017 marks Ghana’s 33rd National Farmers’ Day celebration. The National Farmers’ Day is commemorated each year to honour Ghanaian farmers and fishermen.
This year’s celebration is under the theme: “Planting for Food and Jobs”

]]> Ghana honours farmers as gov't woos youth into farming https://www.adomonline.com/ghana-honours-farmers-govt-woos-youth-farming/ Fri, 01 Dec 2017 12:25:04 +0000 http://35.232.176.128/ghana-news/?p=723461 For the 33rd year running, government is set to honour several farmers whose work contributes 21% to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product.
Since 1988, the first Friday of every December was set aside by the government as Farmers’ Day, celebrated as a statutory Public Holiday.
The National Farmers’ Day being held in Ashanti regional capital Kumasi, crowns an 8-day exhibition at Heroes Park near the Baba Yara Sports stadium.
 
Today, a new national best farmer will emerge as the icon of dedication and vision in the agricultural sector that employs 35.95% of the active labour force.
The winner takes over from the 2016 winner Mr. Robert Crentil from the Central Region who won the Ultimate prize of a 3-bedroom fully furnished house at the location of his choice financed by the adb bank.
best-national-farmer
Mr. Crentsil has been farming for almost 20 years. He has 120 acres of cocoa farm, 80 acres of rubber, 60 acres of plantain, 60 acres of cowpea, 30 acres of cassava, 7 acres of oil palm, 6 acres of coconut and 15 acres of citrus farms.
Ghana’s economic potential is best measured in agriculture, experts say.
But it is taking government a challenging time to convince graduates that a farm or a fish pond, is more rewarding than a white collar job.
Agric statistics
Adding to the efforts of previous governments, the Akufo-Addo government has said it has big plans for the sector.
It wants to encourage farming through the Planting for Food and Jobs programme, a $140million plan to help farmers with seeds, fertilisers, extension services and marketing.
Using an initial investment of ¢456.3 million, the government also wants to encourage processing of farm products through an industrialisation policy of setting up a factory in each of the 216 districts.
These initiatives, the government believes, can change the narrative around agriculture and unlock great interest amongst the youth.

]]> Farmers are worth more than National awards – MP https://www.adomonline.com/farmers-worth-national-awards-mp/ Fri, 01 Dec 2017 11:29:07 +0000 http://35.232.176.128/ghana-news/?p=723071 The Member of Parliament (MP) for Agona East, Hon Obaatanpa Queenstar Maame Pokua Sawyerr has observed farmers in the country are worth more than the awards they receive during each National Farmers’ Day.
She stated that farmers play a critical role in the country in the midst of numerous challenges in providing food for Ghanaians and therefore deserve to be praised and prayed for at all times.
“In a statement commemorating this year’s farmers day, she called on government to stop paying lip service to the challenges of farmers and work towards resolving them.
Whenever we sit at a table for breakfast, lunch or supper, we need to remember to thank farmers and offer a word of prayer for God to continually sustain them to keep on ensuring we have food to eat for subsistence.
Having survived the threat of the Fall Army Worms that menacingly destroyed your crops, you have proven how resilient you are and how committed you are to the cause of the nation.
I would like to encourage you to continue with the good work and to remember that, your reward is worth far more than what the nation gives you in prizes”, she said.
Read her full statement below
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL HARD WORKING FARMERS OF GHANA ESPECIALLY AGONA EAST FARMERS
On the occasion of this year’s Farmers’ Day celebration, I wish to extend my warmest greetings to all farmers in my constituency, Agona East, and Ghana as a whole for sustaining the nation through hard work, dedication and sacrifice.
Indeed, every day is Farmers’ Day since a day is insufficient to truly appreciate the work of farmers and fishermen in the country.
Whenever we sit at table for breakfast, lunch or supper, we need to remember to thank farmers and offer a word of prayer for God to continually sustain them to keep on ensuring we have food to eat for subsistence.
Having survived the threat of the Fall Army Worms that menacingly destroyed your crops, you have proven how resilient you are and how committed you are to the cause of the nation.
I would like to encourage you to continue with the good work and to remember that, your reward is worth far more than what the nation gives you in prizes. To this year’s winners, I would like to say ‘Ayekoo’, keep it up. For those who were not included in the list of winners, don’t give up; your turn will come.
I would also like to use this opportunity to call on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) to put in place all the necessary measures to support farmers across the country to ensure food security for all.
I want to assure you that as your Member of Parliament for Agona East, I would do everything possible to ensure that you get value for your produce. Finally, Congratulations to all farmers and fishermen across the country on this Special Occasion. May the Good Lord continue to uphold you and grant you strength and long life.
Ayekoo!!!
HON OBAATANPA QUEENSTAR MAAME POKUA SAWYER
AGONA EAST MP

]]> Farmers’ Day holiday has no significance to farmers; abolish it – GAWU https://www.adomonline.com/farmers-day-holiday-no-significance-farmers-abolish-gawu/ Fri, 01 Dec 2017 09:00:08 +0000 http://35.232.176.128/ghana-news/?p=722531 The General Agricultural Workers Union, an umbrella of the Ghana Trades Union Congress, has asked government to cancel the celebration of farmers’ day as a statutory public holiday, arguing it has no significance to the country’s hardworking farmers and fishers.
“The holiday has no significance to farmers. Farmers per their nature of work do not need a specific day through legislation as holiday. The holiday does not benefit them,” GAWU said in a statement to congratulate farmers on the occasion of this year’s celebration Friday, December 1.
Following the vital role played by farmers and fishers in lifting Ghana’s economy from the 1982-1983 food crisis, government in 1985 instituted Farmers’ Day to recognise and motivate them to produce more. Since 1986, when the first event was held, the day has been celebrated as a public holiday in the country but GAWU believes celebrating the day as a public holiday creates loss of productivity to the state without any real or latent benefit.
“Farmers know when to rest, and they will do so at their own convenience cognisance of their work demands than per statute or legislation. More so, the public holiday does not add or do anything to ease the numerous challenges confronting farmers,” it held.
According to GAWU which is working to protect the interest of agricultural workers, the holiday costs Ghana millions of cedis hence ought to be abolished and the amount generated channeled into supporting the agric sector. “It is GAWU’s request that government should abolish the farmers day holiday and use the money to be generated on that day to support agriculture,” it suggested.
It observed the extension services division is in dire need of basic tools and equipment to enable officers deliver basic but vital agronomic services to farmers, yet monies are channeled into celebrations.
Again, it said even the workers of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and Fisheries who are involved in preparing the celebration of the day do not enjoy the holiday, and questioned “What then is the use of the holiday?
Whose interest does it serve? Who bears the loss of productivity on that day?” GAWU advised that in the quest to improve upon agricultural productivity and create jobs, action must be taken to eliminate both institutional and practical wastage in the sector.
“The public holiday is one such huge avoidable loss to the country and should therefore be discontinued henceforth,” it argued, and underscored the need for government to align the day to a more radicalized, revolutionary and pragmatic national policies.

]]> Hot Audio: Farmers Day award finalist dropped for refusal to pay GH₵5,000 bribe https://www.adomonline.com/hot-audio-farmers-day-award-finalist-refusal-pay-gh%e2%82%b55000-bribe/ Fri, 24 Nov 2017 13:12:04 +0000 http://35.232.176.128/ghana-news/?p=701201 A female farmer at Assin Edubease, Faustina Asamoah, has allegedly been removed from the list of winners in the upcoming National farmers Day celebration for refusing to pay bribe to the organizers.
Narrating her ordeal to Adom News, Faustina Asamoah, explained that she received an email from one of the Central Regional coordinators confirming her name as one of the winners.
To her surprise, she was taken off the list after she refused to pay an amount of GH₵ 5,000.0 to the organizers.
According to her, the organizers informed her it was a mistake adding her to the list hence she wasn’t originally included.
But the Assin South based farmer strongly insisted her inability to pay the sum of money led to her eviction.
“I have taken district and region. So I was nominated for national farmers’ day celebration as a finalist. My farms were inspected. I was told to prepare since I would be traveling to cape coast and Kumasi. Later I was told to prepare about GH₵ 5,000.00 for the organizers otherwise I can’t be included. I refused…”
“A phone call came through later telling me it was a mistake including me in the list. I don’t know why I refused the email then. I believe I was taken out because I didn’t comply…”
In spite of this, she lambasted the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government for allowing corrupt officials to frustrate poor farmers.
She urged the government to be keen and investigate the issue to allow fairness to prevail.
“Nana Addo should investigate the Corruption which has currently bedeviled the farmers’ award. He should open his eyes otherwise I will never understand and will be convince that NPP is more corrupt than NDC…” the farmer cried.
She continued that “How would it motivate the youth to work? As a single mother I have worked so hard to make this happen, and then you strip it off from my hands and give to someone else. Too painful…” she said.
Listen to the  Mrs Asamoah

]]> National Farmers’ Day celebration launched https://www.adomonline.com/national-farmers-day-celebration-launched/ Thu, 17 Aug 2017 05:42:49 +0000 http://35.232.176.128/ghana-news/?p=400881 This year’s National Farmers’ Day (NFD) celebration will be remodelled to reflect and showcase better contribution of the farmers and fisher folks as well as the developments in the agriculture sector.
To that effect, a committee comprising of technical experts from relevant national organizations have been tasked to re-model the NFD celebration, Mr. Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Senior Minister said.
Mr Osafo-Maafo who was speaking at the launch of the 33rd NFD celebration in Accra said, economy like that of Ghana depended heavily on the success of the agricultural sector, yet the allocation in the national budget to support that sector was minimal.
He said achieving sustainable food security in Ghana within the context of a phenomenal growth in population and increasing unemployment was a challenge to the country’s development.
He said the government was posed to embark on the most comprehensive economic transformation agenda for industrial transformation to be anchored on four thematic areas, namely, Macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability; Infrastructural Development; Accelerated Industrial Development, and Agricultural Transformation.
The 33rd NFD celebration will be celebrated on Friday, December 1, 2017 on the theme, “Planting for Food and Jobs”.
Mr Osafo-Maafo noted that agricultural transformation was key in the transformational agenda, therefore, besides setting the day aside to recognize the country’s hard working farmers and fisher folks, the government continued to provide conducive investment environment and support to the farmers.
“The distribution of agricultural machinery at subsidized prices to farmers, the recent 50 per cent fertilizer and Seed subsidy and the provision of input on credit under the ‘Planting for Food and Job’ to farmers for the production of maize, rice and sorghum, soya bean and vegetables in expanded programmes.
“’The One Village, One Dam project’, the construction of warehouses in many districts and the ‘One District, One Factory’ programme to foster agro processing were all aimed at encouraging our farmers to increase production and productivity in the Agricultural Sector,” he added.
Mr Osafo-Maafo said the agricultural sector needed to be supported to ensure food security, promote agro business as well as enhance the income of the farmers.
He was grateful to the corporate sponsors over the years and urged the members of the banking fraternity to join hands with the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), which has been sponsoring the National Best Farmer slot since the inception of the celebration.
He also called on fertilizer and Oil and Gas companies and other corporate bodies to come and support this year’s NFD celebration.
“It is important to make the farmer look good while we recognize their contributions to the development of the country. We must therefore go all out to make the celebration a success,” he added.
Dr Nurah Gyele, Minister of State at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Chairman of the 2017 NFD Planning Committee, appealed to corporate bodies to patronize the four categories of sponsorship.
He said the Bronze Sponsor category, which starts from GHC10,000.00 and below would get acknowledgement in the media, special certificate of sponsorship at the Sponsors’ Awards Night as well as photo opportunity for presentation of packages to the Minister for Food and Agriculture for the media.
Silver sponsor, starting from GHC10,000.00 to GHC 30,000.00 will also get acknowledgement in the media; advertise company’s logo on sponsor’s billboard at the durbar ground for telecast, special certificate of sponsorship at the Sponsors’ Awards Night and photo opportunity for presentation of packages to the Minister for Food and Agriculture for the media.
The Gold Sponsor category starts from GHC30,000.00 to GHC50,000.00 and in addition to the four benefits above they will advertise their company logo in event brochure and a half page colour print company advert with felicitation message to farmers and fishers in the National Farmers Day Brochure.
Platinum sponsors will get acknowledgement in the media, advertise company’s logo on sponsors’ billboard at the durbar for telecast, and advertise company logo in event brochure, plague and special certificate of sponsorship at the Sponsors’ Awards Night.
The rests are full page colour print company advert with felicitation message to farmers and fishers in the National Farmers’ Day brochure, photo opportunity for presentation of packages to the Minister for Food and Agriculture for the media, and branding of some sections of the principal route to and outside perimeter of durbar ground.
Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Minister for Food and Agriculture, said he was grateful to God for giving them the opportunity to launch the day after few delays and urged the corporate bodies and individuals to support the event.
Madam Elizabeth Afoley Quaye, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, said any fish caught illegally was a bad fish and urged the public to “say no to bad fish”.
She said the country’s fish stock continue to deplete as a result of bad practices and appealed to fisher folks to desist from such practices to replenish the fish stock.

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