A 60-year-old farmer from the Nkoranza South District of the Brong Ahafo Region, James Obeng Boateng, has been crowned the overall National Best Farmer for 2018.
Mr. Boateng from the Nkoranza South district of the region has been farming for the past 18 years, producing cassava, cocoyam, cereals, okro, pepper, garden eggs, mango and cashew.
Mr Boateng was rewarded with a cheque for GHS 480,000 in addition to other prizes.
President Nana Akufo-Addo, who graced the 34th National Farmers’ Day celebration held at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium at Tamale in the Northern Region, handed the prize to Mr Boateng on Friday, 7 December 2018.
Mr Boateng holds a tertiary education and has been farming for 18 years.
He has a total of 102 employees comprising of 45 full time workers, 55 casual workers and 2 others from his family.
The father of six also rears cattle, goats, sheep and manages two fish ponds as well as 100 boxes of beehives.
He holds a farming certification from South Africa and participates in several projects to help his community including the building of schools and renovation of teachers’ bungalows.
A farmer from the Central region, Charity Akotia, was also adjudged the 1st Runner-Up while Alex Frimpong who farms in the Kwahu Afram Plains of the Eastern region took the 2nd Runner-Up position.