For the first time in history, Amasu in the Dormaa Central Municipality of the Bono Region has hosted the 41st Bono Regional Farmers’ Day celebration, a colourful event that honoured the immense contributions of farmers to national development and renewed conversations about boosting tourism assets such as the Duasidan Monkey Sanctuary.
The celebration, themed “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana,” brought together hundreds of farmers from across the region, showcasing diverse food crops, agro-products and agricultural innovations. Traditional and religious leaders from various municipalities graced the occasion in full regalia, adding cultural depth to the ceremony.
“Agriculture sustains 65% of Bono households” – Regional Minister
Addressing the gathering, Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addai Akwaboa called for a strengthened national commitment to policies and sustainable practices that will secure the future of agriculture.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our development agenda. In the Bono Region, 65 percent of households depend directly on farming and agro-processing,” he said.
“Government and stakeholders must consciously pursue programmes that will lift the sector, ensure food security and improve livelihoods.”
He announced that the Akokor Nketenkete poultry initiative will be piloted in two districts—Dormaa East and Dormaa West—to boost local poultry production and support youth involvement in agriculture.
Queenmother calls for road repairs, poultry factory
The Queenmother of Amasu, Nana Yaa Korkor Sekyiwaa, commended farmers for their resilience and dedication despite numerous challenges.
She appealed to government to rehabilitate the Amasu road, describing it as a major hindrance to transporting farm produce.
“Most of the foodstuffs that feed our markets come from this area. A better road network will ease transportation and reduce post-harvest losses,” she said.
Nana Yaa Korkor also advocated the establishment of a poultry processing factory in Amasu to create jobs and boost the local economy.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Dormaa Central, Dominic Adoma Ameyaw commended farmers for their contribution to the growth of economy. He also commended the government for resetting the agricultural sector.
Regional Best Farmer urges inclusion of farmers in policymaking
The prestigious Regional Best Farmer award went to 54-year-old Daniel Tachie, who used the occasion to call for greater inclusion of farmers in national agricultural policy formulation.
“Farmers must be at the table when decisions about the sector are made. Our practical experience is key to shaping effective policies,” he told the media after receiving his award.
Outstanding farmers and institutions recognised
Several deserving individuals and schools were honoured for excellence in farming and agricultural education: Regional Best Female Farmer: Abdullai Adiata, Best Regional Cocoa Farmer: Rev. Chief Inspector Joseph Bronya Sotitey, Best Poultry Farmer: Elder Isaac Gyabaah, Best Youth Farmer: Yeboah Ussain, Best SHS in Agriculture: Estifranka SHS, Wenchi, Best JHS in Agriculture: Nchiraa R/C “B” JHS, Wenchi and Best Primary School in Agriculture: Mframaso M/A Basic, Wenchi.
The event, filed by journalist Daniel Donkor, highlighted not only the region’s agricultural accomplishments but also the broader call to uplift community assets, such as the Duasidan Monkey Sanctuary, which leaders believe can complement agriculture in promoting tourism and economic growth in the Bono Region.
