John Nii Arday Ofoliquaye, a 49-year-old aquaculturist from Mamprobi, has been recognized as the Best Physically Challenged Farmer by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly at this year's Farmers and Fishers Day celebrations. 

As part of his award, Ofoliquaye received essential farming tools, including Wellington boots, a wheelbarrow, two bags of fish feed, five basins, and a drum smoker, to support his catfish farming operations.

The award celebrates Ofoliquaye’s dedication to aquaculture despite physical challenges, highlighting his resilience and contributions to local food production.

Speaking at the 40th National Farmers’ Day celebration held on Friday, November 8, 2024, at the forecourt of the  Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s City Hall, the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Elizabeth Kwatsoe Sackey congratulated all farmers and fishers for their hard work and resilience while emphasising climate-resilient agriculture as essential to food security.

 She noted that the celebration, traditionally held in December, was scheduled earlier due to the upcoming elections, which also serve as a reminder for the public to maintain peace throughout the election period.

She pointed out that the celebration's theme, “Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security,” highlights the urgent need to address climate change’s impact on agriculture.

She expressed concerns over the negative effects Ghanaian farmers experience, from unpredictable rainfall to prolonged droughts. She referenced World Bank projections indicating climate change could drive 100 million people into poverty by 2030. 

According to her, “sub-Saharan Africa, where about 95 per cent of the food grown depends on rain,” is particularly vulnerable.

“Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) offers a comprehensive approach to address these challenges,” she said, adding that the success of the government’s “Planting for Food and Jobs” initiative, which has expanded into a second phase with an input credit system to enhance access to agricultural inputs,. 

Mayor Sackey said the Assembly had actively supported this initiative by organising community outreach programs, distributing fertilisers, and training Agriculture Department staff to register farmers with modern data collection tools.

 She assured that the government would work with stakeholders to secure additional agricultural funding and encouraged sustainable farming practices among farmers and fishermen to protect the environment.

Mayor Sackey used the opportunity to congratulate all farmers and fishermen for being recognised and was hopeful that these awards would encourage continued dedication and excellence in food production. 

Kodwo Ennin Fynn, AMA’s Director of Agriculture, touched on the department’s role in promoting CSA practices such as water harvesting, organic manure, raised beds, and backyard farming to mitigate climate impacts and encouraged residents to practice backyard farming and praised the Assembly’s support.

 “Our Lady Mayor loves agriculture and has been the pillar behind our successes,” he stated, congratulating award recipients and expressing gratitude to all stakeholders.

Chief Inspector Samuel Darko, the overall best Metro Farmer for the Accra Metropolis, announced plans to expand his farm and emphasised the importance of training in agricultural practices.

 He urged authorities to equip facilitators with resources for delivering educational support to farmers, adding, “I encourage fellow farmers to continue their hard work so they, too, may be celebrated in the future.”