At the 40th National Farmers and Fishers Day celebration, Chief Inspector Samuel Yao Dzotsi was given the renowned “Overall Best Farmer” award by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) in recognition of his vast farming endeavors and career with the Ghana Police Service.
In addition to maintaining a 5-acre rice field and a 9-acre cocoa plantation in the Oti Region, Chief Inspector Dzotsi, who is based at the Tesano Police Depot in the Okaikoi South Sub-Metropolitan District, has grown an acre of plantain, maize, and cocoa.
With the help of six permanent employees, his farming endeavors have made a substantial contribution to the local food production industry.
In appreciation of his services to Accra’s agriculture and food security, Chief Inspector Dzotsi received a certificate, a motorized tricycle, Wellington boots, a knapsack sprayer, cutlasses, and compost bags.
Speaking at the event with the topic “Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security,” Hon. Elizabeth K.T. Sackey, the mayor of Accra, praised farmers and fishermen for their commitment and important role in furthering the development of the country.
She voiced concern about how agriculture is being affected by long dry spells, floods, and shifting weather patterns, especially as farming in sub-Saharan Africa is mostly dependent on rainfall.
Hon. Sackey also brought up a World Bank estimate that suggests climate change could force an extra 100 million people into poverty by 2030, putting the agricultural industry at serious risk.
She cited the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs program and urged the adoption of climate-smart agriculture as a strategic solution.
The mayor emphasized how AMA supports the initiative by distributing fertilizer to nearby farms and running public awareness campaigns. He also mentioned that AMA staff members have received training to improve farmer registration and data gathering utilizing contemporary technology.
Hon. Sackey gave advice on cholera prevention, especially in high-risk communities like Odawna, and asked the public to keep the peace in the run-up to the December elections.
In order to slow the disease’s spread, she advised people with symptoms to get medical help as soon as possible. She also suggested frequent hand washing, drinking treated water, eating food that has been cooked through, and making sure that waste is disposed of properly.
In addition to expressing thanks for the honor, Chief Inspector Dzotsi disclosed plans to grow his farm in order to further support Ghana’s food supply.
Assuring his colleagues that further hard work could eventually bring them the honor, he urged them to keep up their efforts.
The AMA’s Director of Agriculture, Mr. Kodwo Ennin Fynn, emphasized the significance of climate-smart farming methods and praised the organization for encouraging sustainable methods like organic farming, backyard farming, and water gathering.
He commended AMA employees for their dedication all year long and urged locals to consult the Department of Agriculture for advice on how to increase their agricultural productivity.
A Polytank (Rambo 250), four backpack sprayers, two watering cans, a wheelbarrow, three spades, six bags of compost, one bag of NPK fertilizer, and three hoes were also given to Ladlink School in recognition of its exceptional educational accomplishments as the “Best Educational Institution.”
One deep freezer, 200 yards of line, and a pair of Wellington boots were given to Addo Quarcoo, the “Best Hook and Line Fisherman,” while Isaac Quashie, the “Best Ali Poli Watsa (APW) Fisherman,” received two life jackets, various items, a pair of Wellington boots, and a 25-meter 6 by 3/4″ fishing net.
After being named the “District Best Livestock Farmer,” Reginald Bannerman Quaye was given a pair of Wellington boots, six bags of feed (broiler starter), and a deep freezer.
Along with receiving the title of “Best Agricultural Extension Agent,” Richel Adeline Boohm also received a laptop, a knapsack sprayer, Wellington boots, and half a piece of fabric.
The “Best Physically Challenged Farmer,” John Nii Arday Ofoliquaye, received a wheelbarrow, two sacks of fish feed, five basins/bowls, a drum smoker, and a pair of Wellington boots.
Douglas N.K. Annoful, the AMA Coordinating Director; Abeiku Amissah, the Finance Director; Abola Mantse; Nii Ahene Nunoo, the event’s chairman; chiefs; Queen Mothers; and other traditional leaders, students, security service representatives, department heads, and AMA employees were all in attendance.
Source: newsthemegh.com