He said leveraging on agriculture was one key measure to become independent with proper planning, monitoring and control as well as active extension services to achieve the dream of Ghana beyond aid.

The District Director of Agriculture was speaking at Supomu-Dankwa where the district honoured its gallant farmers. Madam Ekua Akyeraba emerged as the District Best Farmer and was given a tricycle, 20 head pans, five Spraying machines, six knapsack sprayers, radio set, 30 pieces of cutlasses and shovels.

He said agriculture productivity in the District in the year under review was tremendous through hard work and dedication of farmers and the staff who contributed in achieving success.

The theme for this year’s celebration was, "Agriculture: Moving Ghana beyond Aid".

The Chief Executive of the Shama District, Mr. Joseph Amoah, said the District engaged 832 farmers under the Planting for Food and Jobs programme. He said the vision of Ghana Beyond Aid was achievable when both local and foreign resources were marshalled for the development of the country.

Mr Amoah stressed the need for the restructuring of some segments of the economy and the need to invest more in agriculture to propel Ghana beyond aid. The DCE lauded the contributions of farmers in the District and encouraged more women to venture into farming to improve upon their livelihoods.

He said women in agriculture should boldly embrace some of the government policies by registering and taking advantage of all opportunities to empower themselves. According to him, the District Assembly would supply 10,000 seedlings of oil palm and 26,000 Coconut seedlings to establish plantations and encouraged interested individuals to register with the Assembly.

He encouraged farmers to go into cash crop farming for local processing to add value as well as for export to put more money in their pockets.