The Kpone Katamanso Municipal Assembly (KKMA), on Friday, joined the 41st National Farmer’s Day celebration, awarding 13 hard-working farmers in the municipality.

The celebration, which was on the theme: “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future,” celebrated and appreciated farmers and fisherfolks for their tremendous contribution to agriculture in Ghana over the years.

Madam Hajia Adam Ayi, the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Director of Agriculture, appreciated the farmers for their unwavering dedication and hard work, which had sustained the municipality and driven the development of the nation.

Madam Ayi boasted about the municipality organising 13 farmers’ day celebrations since its inception.

She said the theme for the celebration captured the importance of the agriculture vision and reminded the country that by producing and consuming locally grown food, Ghanaians would not only support farmers but also strengthen the economy.

The celebration was to recognise the efforts of the farmers and provide an opportunity for them to reflect on the path ahead, stating that the assembly was committed to supporting innovations that strengthened agricultural resilience, enhanced productivity and promoted sustainability for the next generation.

She also encouraged the farmers to come together to embrace practices that did not only withstand environmental challenges but also ensure continuous growth and prosperity for the municipality and the country.

Mr Joseph Akuerteh Tettey, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Kpone-Katamanso Constituency, appreciated the farmers for their tremendous contributions and efforts towards the growth and development of the municipality and the country at large.

Mr Tettey reiterated that the government in the recent 2025 budget promised to improve the agricultural economy and provide them with fertiliser and other machinery to improve the economy.

Mr Samuel Tetteh Kwarshie Morton, the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), noted that agriculture remained the backbone of Ghana’s economy, providing food, employment and raw materials for industry.

Mr Morton said despite the rapid urbanisation within the municipality, agriculture continued to be a vital contributor to livelihoods.

He stated that the vegetable farmers, fishermen, livestock rearers, fish processors and food traders worked tirelessly to ensure that the municipality and the country have access to fresh and nutritious food.

He said the assembly had worked closely with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and had facilitated in-station services, promoted improved seed varieties and supported the adaptation of climate-smart agricultural practices.

Mr Morton said farmers within the municipality had benefited from training on irrigation management, safe pesticide application, and post-harvest handling to minimise losses and enhance productivity.

He revealed that the assembly’s ongoing promotion of urban and peri-urban agriculture had encouraged many households to grow vegetables and food produce within limited spaces, which had contributed to nutrition and household savings.

He again highlighted that land encroachment, climate change, limited financial access, and the decline in interest of the youth in agriculture were some challenges confronting the farmers.

The MCE added that the assembly was improving land use planning, promoting environmental sustainability, and engaging financial institutions to expand loan access to farmers and encourage the youth to embrace agriculture as a profitable business.

Nii Tetteh Oglie II, the Chief of Nmlitsakpo, acknowledged farmers as the backbone of the country, ensuring that food was available to the public.

Mr Ebenezer Nii Mensah Laryea, who was declared the 2025 Municipal Best Farmer, appreciated the assembly for awarding the efforts of the farmers and encouraged farmers to continue their hard work by producing fresh and nutritious food products and livestock for the country.

For his award, he received a certificate, a tricycle, three Wellington boots, a knapsack sprayer, five bags of fertiliser, and two litres of insecticides, among others.