82-year-old wins GH¢1.2m National Best Farmer cash prize 

 

By Wisdom JONNY-NUEKPE

An 82-year-old farmer, Opanyin Abraham Kwaku Adusei, has been adjudged the Overall National Best Farmer for 2025 at the 41st National Farmers’ Day Awards Ceremony held in Ho.

The headline prize package, sponsored by the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), includes a brand-new tractor with implements from Sino Machinery, a power tiller head with rotary accessories, motorised sprayers, assorted chemicals, wellington boots, cutlasses, and other essential farm tools.

The accolade recognises Opanyin Adusei’s remarkable productivity, innovation, and commitment to climate-smart agricultural practices.

The first runner-up, Osman Kadiri, received a tractor with implements sponsored by EXIM Bank, GH¢200,000 cash, sprayers, and agrochemicals. The second runner-up, 63-year-old Charles Gyato from the Oti Region, was awarded a Stanbic Bank-sponsored tractor, GH¢100,000 cash, and a range of farm supplies.

The awards were presented by President , who graced the occasion alongside several dignitaries and key stakeholders in the agriculture sector.

Special category winners—including the National Best Livestock Farmer, National Best Female Farmer, and the National Best Youth Farmer—each received an Mk-22 Diesel 8-horsepower multifunctional tricycle with a multifunctional thresher, GH¢200,000 cash, sprayers, chemicals, wellington boots, and cutlasses.

In the crop sector, the National Best Tomato Farmer and National Best Onion Farmer were rewarded with tricycles, GH¢100,000 cash, irrigation kits, sprayers, and assorted chemicals. Poultry farmers were also recognised, with the National Best Poultry Farmer receiving a tricycle, a motorbike, GH¢200,000 cash, and premium poultry feed and supplements.

The National Best Youth in Poultry Farming was awarded a tricycle, ten poultry battery cage systems, GH¢100,000 cash, feed supplies, sprayers, and chemicals.

Institutional excellence was also acknowledged. The National Best Agricultural Extension Agent received a Yamaha Crux Rev motorcycle and GH¢100,000 cash.

Among schools, the National Best Primary School was presented with a mini tractor with implements, a tricycle, farm tools, and a six-unit classroom block. The National Best Junior High School received a mini bus, tricycle, sprayers, tools, and a six-unit classroom block. The National Best Senior High School was awarded a Toyota Coaster bus, cash, and a full set of farming tools.

The National Best University in Practical Agriculture received a Development Bank Ghana-sponsored tractor with implements, alongside sprayers, compost, and chemicals.

Faith-based organisations and security agencies contributing to agriculture were also celebrated. The National Best Faith-Based Organisation received an 85HP tractor head and irrigation kits, while the National Best Security Agency in Practical Agriculture was presented with a tractor head and farm inputs.

A standout honour went to the National Best Community Commodity Farmer Cooperative, which received a multifunctional tricycle, a 75HP tractor with trailer and plough, three power tillers, and five transplanters donated by the Government of Canada—highlighting the role of farmer cooperatives and mechanisation.

This year, 10 of the 11 tricycles were awarded across multiple categories, underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting mechanisation and modern farming practices.

The 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration reaffirmed the vital role of farmers in Ghana’s socio-economic development and renewed calls to support the Feed Ghana Programme, strengthen farmer cooperatives, expand mechanisation, and nurture the next generation of agripreneurs as the country advances towards sustainable food security and agricultural transformation.

In his address, President Mahama emphasised the benefits of farming to all Ghanaians and urged professionals—teachers, civil servants, and private sector workers—to combine their regular duties with farming.

He noted that embracing agriculture as a secondary enterprise would not only enhance household incomes but also contribute to national food security and reduce Ghana’s reliance on food imports.

President Mahama further encouraged the adoption of modern farming technologies, irrigation, and improved seedlings to enable part-time farmers to remain productive without being physically present on their farms daily.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that makes farming more attractive and profitable for all categories of workers.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, called on corporate Ghana to partner with the ministry to support farmers, stressing that agricultural success relies not only on land and labour but also on accurate and timely weather information.

After receiving the top award, Opanyin Adusei noted that areas such as the Afram Plains are endowed with fertile land and hold immense potential to serve as the country’s food basket—provided reliable access to water for irrigation is assured.

He stressed that irrigation infrastructure remains critical to sustaining the nation’s agricultural sector.

 

 

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