Chief Inspector Dzotsi Urges Farmers to Produce More for Export.

Accra: Chief Inspector Samuel Yao Dzotsi of the Ghana Police Service has urged farmers to remain committed to their farming to increase food production for local consumption and export. He stated that by doing so, they would contribute to the socio-economic development of the country through the earnings of foreign exchange.According to Ghana News Agency, Chief Inspector Dzotsi shared this advice after receiving the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) 'Overall Best Farmer' award at this year's 40th National Farmers and Fishers Day celebration in Accra. The event was themed 'Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security.' Chief Inspector Dzotsi, who operates from the Tesano Police Depot in the Okaikwei South Sub-Metropolitan District, has cultivated an acre each of plantain, maize, and cocoa, and maintains a five-acre rice field and nine-acre cocoa plantation in the Oti Region with the help of six permanent workers.He was honored with a certificate, a motorized tricycle, Wellington boo ts, a knapsack sprayer, cutlasses, and compost bags in recognition of his contributions to agriculture and food security in Accra. Mrs. Elizabeth K.T. Sackey, the Accra Metropolitan Chief, lauded farmers and fishers for their dedication and significant role in advancing the nation's development. She expressed concern over the impact of climate change on agriculture, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where farming heavily depends on rainfall.Mrs. Sackey highlighted a World Bank projection indicating that by 2030, climate change could push an additional 100 million people into poverty, posing severe risks to the agricultural sector. She advocated for climate-smart agriculture as a strategic response, referencing the government's Planting for Food and Jobs initiative. She also mentioned that the AMA supports the program through public awareness campaigns and fertilizer distribution to local farmers, with Assembly staff undergoing training to enhance farmer registration and data collection using modern techno logy.The AMA Chief Executive urged the public to maintain peace leading up to the December 7, 2024, elections and advised on preventive measures against cholera, especially in high-risk areas such as Odawna. She recommended frequent handwashing, drinking treated water, consuming thoroughly cooked food, and ensuring proper waste disposal to mitigate the spread of the disease, advising individuals with symptoms to seek medical care promptly.Chief Inspector Dzotsi expressed gratitude to the AMA for the recognition and assured his commitment to expanding his farm to further contribute to Ghana's food production. Mr. Kodwo Ennin Fynn, Director of Agriculture at AMA, emphasized the importance of climate-smart agricultural practices and commended the Assembly's promotion of sustainable approaches like backyard farming, water harvesting, and organic farming.He praised the AMA staff for their dedication throughout the year and encouraged residents to seek guidance from the Department of Agriculture to enhance th eir agricultural yields. Other institutions and individuals recognized at the event included Ladlink School for Best Educational Institution, Addo Quarcoo as Best Hook and Line Fisherman, Reginald Bannerman Quaye as District Best Livestock Farmer, Richel Adeline Boohm as Best Agricultural Extension Agent, and John Nii Arday Ofoliquaye as Best Physically Challenged Farmer.The event was attended by the AMA Coordinating Director, Douglas N.K Annoful; Finance Director, Abeiku Amissah; Abola Mantse, Nii Ahene Nunoo, who chaired the occasion; along with chiefs, Queen Mothers, traditional leaders, students, security service representatives, departmental heads, and AMA staff.