Colonel Michel Yao Borbi, and Squadron Leader Hellen Enyonam Amedzo have been adjudged as Best Aqua-Culture Farmer and Innovative Woman Farmer, respectively, at the 39^th National Farmers’ Day Celebration on Friday, 1 December 2023.

The two (2) Senior Officers of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) picked-up the awards at the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA).  For their prizes, Colonel Michel Borbi was given a chest freezer, 4 aluminum basins, half-piece cloth, a bag of fish feed and a certificate whilst Squadron Leader Amedzo took home a chest freezer, 1 knapsack sprayer, 4 agrochemical, half-piece cloth and a certificate.

In an interview with AFnews, Colonel Michel Borbi who currently runs a catfish production with a total stocking capacity of 2,800 in tarpaulin tanks, poultry, goats, and for value addition, provides grilling on order, said, though he started with little resources coupled with a few challenges, he pressed on to accomplish his target. He urged the citizenry and security personnel to take up an aspect of farming since the very existence of humans depends on food.

Squadron Leader Amedzo who cultivates tomatoes and cucumbers using a locally manufactured wooden Green House, and as well keep snails and does home gardening, underscored the need for additional or alternative source of income for financial and economic security.

Speaking on the theme, “Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience”, the Municipal Chief Executive (LaDMA), Honourable Reverend (Hon Rev) Solomon Kotey Nikoi mentioned that the Planting for food and Jobs Phase II initiative recently launched by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, focuses on reliable financing, provision of fertilizers and seeds for farmers.

He added that with the aid of Information Technology, modernization of agriculture, as well as extension and veterinary service delivery would be made possible to value chain operators, farmers and agribusiness.

Hon Nikoi disclosed that the Assembly has embraced agro-processing initiatives to add value to agricultural produce which will in tend open new market avenues for farmers to boost the local economy. 

Other award categories included Best Agro/Fish Processor, Best Marine Fisher Folk, Best Livestock Farmer, Best Crop Farmer, Best Youth Farmer, Best Extension Worker and the Ultimate prize of Overall Best Farmer going to Mrs Julia Judith Frempong-Manso.

Dignitaries present at the event were private legal practitioner, Mr Frank Davies (Esq), Municipal Coordinating Director, Hon Rev Daniel Nkrumah, Nii Adjei Koofeh IV (La Shikitele) and some Heads of Security Services within the Municipality.