Africa-Press – Ghana. Opanyin Abraham Kwaku Adusei, the 82-year-old farmer adjudged the 2025 National Best Farmer, has expressed deep gratitude to the Government of Ghana for preserving the tradition of honouring the nation’s hardworking farmers and fishers.
He said the government’s sustained commitment to agricultural development continued to inspire hope across the country.
Reflecting on his nearly 55-year journey in agriculture, Opanin Adusei noted that he entered the sector immediately after completing his studies at the University of Cape Coast in 1968.
In his early years, he earned several district-level awards before rising to national prominence.
In 2009, he won the Eastern Regional Best Farmer Award and was named the National Best Cocoa Farmer in 2023, and in 2024, he earned global acclaim as the World’s Best Cocoa Farmer at the ICCO’s second annual conference in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
He had earlier been recognised as the National Best Crop Farmer in 2022.
“I am deeply honoured to be named the National Best Farmer for 2025,” he said.
He dedicated the award to Ghana’s farming community, acknowledging the thousands of farmers whose hard work feeds the nation, powers industries, and drives economic growth.
He extended appreciation to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture; the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development; the National Farmers Day Planning Committee; and all sponsors for their commitment to celebrating farmers.
He also thanked his family, farm workers, traditional authorities, and the communities that have supported him throughout his career.
Speaking on behalf of farmers nationwide, Opanyin Adusei called for urgent investment in irrigation infrastructure.
He emphasised that areas such as the Afram Plains hold vast agricultural potential but require reliable water supply to fully contribute to national food security.
He welcomed the Minister of Food and Agriculture’s assurance that irrigation development has been prioritised under the Feed Ghana programme, describing it as a significant step toward achieving the Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, and Secure the Future agenda.
He commended the President’s commitment to constructing a bridge over the Afram River and rehabilitating road networks within the Afram Plains, noting that such projects would improve agricultural productivity, stimulate the rural economy, and create jobs.
Opanyin Adusei, who farms cocoa, mango, 30 acres of cashew, and several other crops in the Kwahu Afram Plains South District, received a GHC 1.2 million cash prize from ADB, a brand-new tractor from Sino Machinery, and other packages.
The First Runner-Up award went to Mr. Osumanu Kadri, 48, from the Greater Accra Region.
Mr Charles Gyato, 63, from the Oti Region, was named Second Runner-Up.
Mr Reuben Asare of Kintampo North District in the Bono East Region received the National Best Youth Farmer award, while Madam Grace Owusua of Asante Akyem North in the Ashanti Region was honoured as the National Best Female Farmer.
For More News And Analysis About Ghana Follow Africa-Press
