Busunu came alive on Friday, December 5, 2025, as hundreds gathered to celebrate the 41st National Farmers’ Day, climaxed by the crowning of Mr. Adam Abutu, a hardworking farmer from Busunu, as the Overall Best Farmer for the West Gonja Municipality.
Mr. Abutu’s dedication to agriculture earned him the top honour, taking home a brand new Motorking tricycle and assorted farm inputs. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as other deserving farmers were also recognized across various categories. The 1st runner-up received a motorbike, while the 2nd runner-up walked away with a Hisense deep freezer.
A wide range of award categories highlighted the diversity of West Gonja’s agriculture sector. These included Best Livestock Farmer, Best Model OFSP Farmer, Best Sustainable Farmer, Best Vegetable Farmer, Best Groundnut Farmer, Best Maize Farmer, Best Soya Beans Farmer, Best Cashew Farmer, Best Physically Challenged Farmer, as well as awards for outstanding educational institutions such as Larabanga Islamic SHS, St. Peter RC JHS, and Falahiyat Primary School. Winners across these categories received zinc sheets, fertilizers, knapsack sprayers, Wellington boots, refrigerators, cutlasses, and other essential farming items.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Yakubu Yussif Castro, praised the unwavering commitment of farmers whose sacrifices, he said, “continue to sustain our lives and contribute significantly to the growth of our beloved municipality and Ghana at large.”
He highlighted the importance of this year’s theme, “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future,” emphasizing that food security forms a foundation for national stability. The MCE outlined several government interventions under the leadership of former President John Dramani Mahama, including the Feed Ghana Programme, Farmer Service Centres, and the Nkoko Kitikiti Project, all designed to boost production, expand access to inputs, and strengthen poultry and crop farming.
He encouraged the youth to embrace agriculture as a profitable business venture, underscoring its potential to transform lives and fuel economic development in the municipality.
The West Gonja Municipal Director of Agriculture, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim, also addressed the gathering, spotlighting significant achievements in the sector over the past year.
Under several key initiatives:
• 1,300 farmers were engaged in land restoration and climate-smart practices.
• 56,300 cashew seedlings were distributed to 800 farmers.
• 5,000 guinea fowls and 1,300 bags of fertilizer were given to farmers under the SADEP programme.
• 2,500 farmers received training on Good Agronomic Practices.
• A major financial boost of GHC 2 million was provided to 130 farmer groups through the AAFORD initiative.
He appealed to food vendors to reduce the prices of cooked meals in recognition of the drop in raw food prices—crediting farmers for increasing local production.
However, he also acknowledged challenges such as rising input costs, destruction of farms by alien herds, lack of mechanization centres, and limited access to subsidized fertilizers.
Both the MCE and Agric Director echoed a shared message: farmers are the heartbeat of West Gonja’s development. As the awards were handed out and applause filled the air, one sentiment was clear, the future of the municipality lies in the hands of its resilient, innovative, and hardworking farmers.
The event concluded with words of appreciation to partners including Kintampo Rural Bank, HJA Africa, and the International Potato Centre (CIP) for their continuous support.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
