A 55-year-old farmer Mr. Sampson Nartey, a graduate of the University of Cape Coast has
been adjudged the District best farmer in the Wassa East District.
Mr. Nartey owns 40 acres of cocoa farm, 60 small ruminants, 15 acres of plantain, 10 acres of maize
and 20 acres of oil palm.
Addressing farmers at the 38 Farmers’ Day celebration at Sekyere Abroadzewuram in the Western
Region, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Wassa East, Hon. Emmanuel Boakye praised the
farmers for their contribution towards the development of mother Ghana. He added that more than
sixty percent of the inhabitants of Wassa East are farmers and their efforts cannot be ignored.
He further stressed that there wouldn’t be availability of food if the farmers decide not to work or go
on strike just as other professionals do.
Hon. Emmanuel Boakye also pointed out government initiatives like the One District One Factory
aimed at assisting farmers in transforming their raw agricultural products into various finished goods
for sale. He added that government’s Planting for Food and Jobs will prevent future generations
from going hungry and reduce food imports.
For her part, the District Director of Agriculture, Ms Helena Addo spoke about using various
processing methods to transform agricultural produce that is consumed in its raw form.
She mentioned the processing of tiger nuts into tiger nut milk and soybeans into a variety of
soybean meals. She indicated that cassava tubers can also be processed into Kokontey, gari and
other dishes.
She pleaded with farmers to continue their hard work so that the country would continue to be fed.
About 50 farmers received various awards. It includes tricycles, spraying equipment, cutlasses,
chemicals and wellington boots. The rest are aluminium basins, wall clocks, and bicycles.
There were also 26 farmers who received special awards from the DCE.
Mr. Daniel Odum, a recipient of a special award, said the items received would help boost his
production for next year’s harvest. He also expressed his gratitude to the management of the
assembly for their support.
