Solomon Kwadwo Kusi has received a cheque of ¢570,000 from Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) as the 2020 National Best Farmer. The amount is the ultimate prize to the overall winner of the 2020 National Farmers Celebration Award held in Techiman in the Bono East Region.
The ADB Managing Director, Dr John Mensah initially handed over the ¢570,000 cheque to the Agric Minister, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto. The Agric Minister then presented the cheque to Solomon Kusi, the 2020 National Best Farmer at a ceremony in Accra.
Dr Kofi Mensah disclosed that the bank received an agribusiness proposal on how the funds will be used from Mr Kusi through MoFA. He indicated that his Agribusiness Division perused the document and were satisfied with all the things outlined by Mr Kusi.
According to the document, part of the money is for the acquisition and installation of cocoa drying house, expansion of current Agric operations and employing more workers. In addition, there will be construction of three boreholes, expansion of agricultural mechanization center and adoption of improved agricultural methods.
“Our expectation is that by upgrading and expanding the mechanization centre, more farmers in his catchment area would benefit from mechanization services.”
Dr John Kofi Mensah, ADB Managing Director.
ADB’s commitment to Agriculture
Dr. Kofi Mensah reiterated the bank’s commitment to ensure that the agricultural sector remains the backbone of Ghana’s economy. He reaffirmed his outfit’s commitment to all initiatives aimed at guaranteeing food sufficiency in the country.
On his part, the Agric Minister stated that government and ADB have agreed to continue with the “flexible” arrangement of the scheme. With this, the ultimate winner of the National Best farmers’ competition can decide how to spend the ultimate prize, he added. He said government is considering to restructure the National Farmers Awards Scheme to ensure the recognition of more farmers.
Moreover, the Agric Minister allayed the fear of China being a competition to Ghana in cocoa exportation. According to him, the quality of Ghana’s cocoa is not matched anywhere in the world. Hence, the international market opts to pay up to 25% premium on the price of cocoa.
Meanwhile, Dr Afriyie Akoto stated that the European Union’s move to ban imports from Ghana is a good one. He said the EU seeks to prompt the country on ending illegal mining.
“This is a result of ‘Galamsey’. We are destroying our environment and the world is concerned about that. They’re saying that we as a government should do something about it so for me it …”
Dr. Afriyie Akoto, Agric Ministry.
In his remarks, Mr Solomon Kusi thanked ADB and the MoFA for keeping their promises to him. He also told all stakeholders that he will use the funds wisely for the agricultural sector’s benefit.
