In a bid to give a boost to the agricultural sector, the reigning 2023 National Best Farmer, Madam Charity Akortia, is leveraging her prestigious title to advocate for increased participation of women and youth in farming endeavours.
Citing the growing profitability and allure of agriculture, Madam Akortia emphasized the importance of involving more youths, particularly women, in agricultural activities, stressing their pivotal roles across the entire food production and distribution chain.
“Women are central figures in post-harvest activities, including grain processing, storage, and marketing. I aim to use my award to inspire greater female and youth involvement in agriculture,” she stated.
Madam Charity Akortia made these remarks during a brief award ceremony organized by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in partnership with the Agricultural Development Bank (adb) to recognize her achievement as the 2023 National Best Farmer.
Acknowledging her accomplishment, Madam Akortia was honoured with a GH¢1,000,000 cash prize sponsored by the Agricultural Development Bank.
She conveyed her appreciation to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Agricultural Development Bank for the recognition, assuring them that she would use the funds wisely to expand her efforts in the agricultural sector.
Addressing attendees at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, commended the Agricultural Development Bank [adb] for its steadfast support in fostering food sufficiency initiatives.
Dr. Acheampong expressed optimism that Ghana is on track to attain food self-sufficiency within the next five years, citing the ongoing success of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program and irrigation projects implemented by the ministry.
“The PFJ targets are on course and Ghana will be food self-sufficient in the staples and poultry and we are working very hard and within 12 months after assuming office, we have added 25,000 hectares of irrigation to the existing one.” Dr. Bryan Acheampong stated
The 2023 National Farmers Day celebration took place at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa, Western Region. As part of efforts to diversify the event, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture introduced an awards night ceremony to honour the nation’s diligent farmers and fishers for their invaluable contributions to food security.
The five-day agricultural fair, branded “Agrifest Ghana 2023,” aimed to raise awareness about various food items, and their availability in abundance, and to recognize the tireless efforts of farmers in their production.
The event provided a platform for farmers and agribusinesses to showcase a diverse array of products, highlighting the agricultural sector’s potential to serve as a safety net during crises and drive economic transformation in Ghana.
