In recognition of exceptional contributions to agriculture, Nana Owusu Achiaw Brempong, a 70-year-old farmer from the Sekyere Central District in the Ashanti Region, was named the National Best Farmer for 2024.
Nana Owusu was awarded one million Ghana cedis, along with other prizes, in acknowledgment of his outstanding achievements in farming and his significant impact on the country’s agricultural sector.
During his acceptance speech, Nana Owusu stressed the importance of focusing on food security for Ghana’s future.
He called for increased investment in local agriculture to reduce the country’s dependence on food imports and ensure self-sufficiency.
“We must prioritize local production if we are to safeguard our food security and grow our economy,” he said.
With a tertiary education to his credit, Nana has been farming for the past 19 years.
His farm, North American farms, employs a total of 168 workers comprising of 18 full-time employees, 150 casual employees, and 6 others assisting in the capability of family relations.
Nana’s farm is highly diversified with his crops enterprises covering the broad areas of roots and tubers (cassava, cocoyam and yam), cereals, maize, vegetables, plantation crops, timber species and pulses.
He also has large ruminants, small ruminants, exotic and local poultry, fish ponds among others.
Nana Achiaw is regarded as a role model and a source of motivation for the youth in the community.
He has three awards namely: National Best Irrigation Farmers in 2020, Ashanti Regional Best Farmer in 2018 and District Best Farmer in 2023.
The Farmers’ Day celebration, which took place across the country, highlighted the indispensable role that farmers play in Ghana’s economy.
The event serves as an annual recognition of the hard work and dedication of farmers, whose efforts are critical to the nation’s agricultural productivity, food security, and overall economic development.
3News.com
