Ghanaians urged to prioritize locally produced foods 

Madam Matilda Odonkor, the Ayawaso West Municipal Director of Agriculture, has urged Ghanaians to prioritise local produce in all aspects of their food transaction. 

Speaking at the 41st Farmer’s Day celebration held at the Dzorwulu Junior High School, she said, “When we choose locally produced ingredients, we are not just buying food but creating jobs and livelihoods for our farmers.” 

Additionally, she mentioned that “we will be stabilizing the Ghanaian economy, reducing our import bill and reinforcing national pride.” 

The occasion was on the theme “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future. 

According to her, climate-smart farming, youth inclusion, agri- technology adoption and deliberate investment in value addition are not optional but the foundation of a strong and resilient economy. 

She said the future of Ghana’s agriculture depended on the resilience of the soil, the strength of the farmers and the choices the country make as a nation to support them. 

“Let us renew our commitment to creating the policies, partnerships and platforms that allow Ghanaian agriculture to thrive in an ever-changing world,” she stated. 

Dr Michael Mensah, the Municipal Chief Executive for Ayawaso West Municipality, said the launch of the feed Ghana programme by the government had introduced several transformative interventions that aimed to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability. 

He said these include the establishment of farmer’s service centres, the promotion of institutional and community farming and the development of the poultry and livestock sector geared towards achieving greater self-reliance on food production. 

He indicated that, according to the 2026 budget statement, the farmers service centres initiative would equip 50 agricultural districts with over 4,000 pieces of machinery, including combine harvesters, tractors, ploughs and fertilizer spreaders. 

“This institutional and community farming intervention will encourage public institutions such as schools, faith- based organizations and security agencies to engage in farming activities,” he said. 

This, he said, would not only promote food production at the community level but also promote home- gardening to enhance food security with families and households. 

Nii Djani Kotei VI, the Chairman of the occasion and spokesperson for Mempasem Traditional Area, urged the assembly to intensify agricultural activities in the basic schools. 

The Overall Best Farmer was a 54-year-old man, Mr. Samuel K. Afful, an ex-serviceman, who has six acres of land, a poultry farm of 300 birds, yam, cassava and groundnut farms. 

He received a tricycle, knapsack sprayer and a certificate. 

Source: GNA