97 farmers and fishermen awarded in C/R

Upper Bobikuma C/R, Dec. 11, GNA - Ninety-seven farmers and fishermen from the Central Region were awarded at the 23rd Regional Farmers' Day Celebration which took place at Upper Bobikuma in the Agona District. They were given items including a pair of Wellington boots, full pieces of Ghana at 50 Anniversary cloths; bicycles, cutlasses, television sets, spraying machines and poultry feed.

A 38 year old farmer from Ayeldo in the Abura Asiebu Kwamankese District, Mr Kwame Okyere Adjei Amoah was adjudged the overall Regional Best Farmer and he took home corn mill; suit case; six pieces of crocodile machetes; 14-inch colour television set and a pair of Wellington boots.

Addressing the farmers, the Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur commended farmers and fishermen for their contributions towards the feeding of Ghanaians and the development of the nation. He said the Government has acquired five vessels for the Ghana Navy to patrol the high seas in the Central to curb big trawlers that fished in shallow water and thus destroying nets of the fishermen.

Nana Ato Arthur called on Ghanaians, especially the youth, to be mindful of their sexual behaviour to avoid contracting HIV/AIDS. Mr Amoh appealed to the Government to provide adequate support to farmers to enable them to increase food production and also to attract the youth to enter into agriculture to replace the aging farmers. Nana Kwabena Botwe II, Adontehen of Agona Nyakrom Traditional Area and Swedruhene, who chaired the function, called on the Government to continue to assist farmers with financial support to expand their farms.