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Amansie South youth abandon ‘galamsey’ for farming

By
Stephen Asante, GNA

Manso Keniago (Ash),
Dec. 08, GNA – The youth in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region
have received commendation for availing themselves of the Government’s
agricultural programmes to enhance their livelihood.

“Many of our youth
who, hitherto, were engaged in illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), have
abandoned that trade.

“This is because
they have found solace in farming and now taking up professions along the agro
value chain, thanks to initiatives such as the ‘Planting for Food and Jobs’,
and ‘Rearing for Food and Jobs,” Mr William Asante-Bediako, the District Chief
Executive (DCE), noted.

Addressing the
District’s Farmers’ Day celebration at Manso Keniago, he explained that this
development was a welcoming one given the District’s history in mining
activities.

“I am cautioning the
youth to sustain this momentum in order to change their lives for the better,
instead of spending all their energies on ‘galamsey’, which comes with its own
repercussions on the environment” he said.

The programme was on
the theme: “Enhancing Small-Scale Agriculture towards Agribusiness
Development,” and more than 20 individuals and organisations were honoured for
their selfless and committed work to improving agriculture in the country.

Sulemana Hamidu, 36,
was voted the District’s Best Farmer, and received a tricycle, knapsack
sprayer, five cutlasses, Wellington boots, insecticide and weedicide, as well
as half piece cloth.

He has cultivated 28
acres of cocoa, five acres of cassava and plantain, two acres of cabbage, an
acre of green pepper, 8,500 poultry birds, 120 cattle, 60 sheep, 42 each of
goats and turkey.

The other award
winners were also presented with prizes, including refrigerator, cutlasses,
Wellington boots, insecticide, weedicide, and cutlasses.

Mr Asante-Bediako
said agriculture held lots of prospects for the nation, and commended the
Government for its efforts at transforming the sector.

GNA

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