Nana Owusu Achiaw, a seasoned farmer from the Sekyere-Central District in the Ashanti Region, has been awarded the prestigious title of 2024 National Best Farmer.
With over 40 years of experience and a staff of more than 150, Nana Achiaw’s extensive farming operation spans animal husbandry, crop cultivation, agro-forestry, and agricultural processing, integrating climate-smart and innovative practices that earned him this top recognition.
As part of his award, he received GH₵1 million, sponsored by the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), which was presented by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the 40th National Farmers’ Day Awards.
Unsung champions of our land
President Akufo-Addo commended Nana Achiaw and other award winners as Ghana’s “unsung champions,” acknowledging their dedication to ensuring food security and economic growth.
“To all of you, I say well done. Ayekoo!” he praised. Highlighting the economic impact of agricultural initiatives, he noted that Ghana’s agriculture GDP growth rate had increased from 2.7% in 2017 to an average of 5.7% in recent years.
This growth, he added, was largely due to the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs (PfJ) program, which has introduced thousands of irrigation facilities, improved seed varieties, and integrated pest management practices.
Celebrating Ghana’s agricultural leaders
The awards honored a range of outstanding farmers and fishers across Ghana.
Nassam Fuseini, who won the National Best Farmer First Runner-up, was awarded a tractor, trailer, and sprayer, while Ransford Atiemo, the Second Runner-up, received a tractor with implements.
The list of top honorees included Apostle Noah Obeng, National Best Livestock Farmer; Stephen Addo, National Best Physically-Challenged Farmer; and Ernestina Osei-Tutu, National Best Female Farmer, each receiving GH₵200,000.
In addition, Mensah Weibukanga, named the Overall National Best Fisher, took home a double-cabin pick-up truck. Victoria Atsa, the National Best Fish Processor, and Ebenezer Dzikunu, National Best Fish Farmer, also received top accolades, highlighting Ghana’s diverse and vital agricultural workforce.
Strengthening aquaculture and agriculture sectors
Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Minister of Food and Agriculture, and Madam Mavis Hawa Koomson, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, commended the farmers for their contributions.
Madam Koomson underscored recent advancements in Ghana’s aquaculture sector, particularly the National Aquaculture Program, which focuses on technology and training for young graduates to drive innovation in fisheries.
This year’s Farmers’ Day, themed “Building Climate Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food and Security,” showcased the government’s dedication to Ghana’s agricultural resilience and sustainability.
With the continued support for farmers and fishers, the nation is set on a path to reinforce its food security and economic stability, affirming agriculture’s vital role in Ghana’s development.
