PERCEPTIONS OF AGRICULTURE IN OBIASI

Obuasi, a town located in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, has gained widespread recognition for its significant historical mineral wealth. Obuasi, a town that has stood as a cornerstone of Ghana's economy for over a hundred years, has played a vital role in the country's development. The agricultural wealth and prowess of a certain subject remains largely unknown.


Obuasi, a town known for its mining activities, has often been associated with the belief that its lands are no longer fertile for agriculture. However, this perception is far from the truth as agriculture continues to thrive in Obuasi.


In his address at the 2021 Farmers Day celebration, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon Elijah Adansi-Bonah, highlighted the positive impact of agriculture on the local economy of Obuasi. He emphasised that the town has successfully avoided the negative effects of the Dutch disease phenomenon. According to him, a significant portion of the population, specifically 52%, is engaged in agricultural activities. This demonstrates the town's strong reliance on the agricultural sector for livelihoods and economic growth. In contrast, the public service sector employs 29% of the population, indicating the importance of government employment in Obuasi. The remaining 19% of the population is involved in the mining sector, which is relatively smaller compared to the agricultural and public service sectors. Hon Elijah Adansi-Bonah's statement underscores the significance of agriculture as a key driver of Obuasi's economy. By maintaining a diverse economic landscape with a substantial focus on agriculture, the town has managed to mitigate the adverse effects often associated with heavy reliance on a single industry. This balanced approach has contributed to the overall stability and resilience of Obuasi's economy.


According to the latest statistics released by the Ministry of Community and Economic Development (MCE), it is evident that agriculture plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of the residents of Obuasi.


In the vibrant town of Obuasi, there is a remarkable individual who serves as a shining example of the triumphs and impact of farming on personal growth. Meet Godfred Omega, a 52-year-old resident hailing from the community of Nhyiaeso. In a recent interview with SMS News, Mr. Omega shared his inspiring journey of overcoming hardships and finding solace in the world of farming.
In a recent interview, Mr. Omega opened up about his remarkable journey from a place of unbearable hardship to a life of success and fulfilment. In a moment of deep contemplation and a strong desire to rebuild his life, he made the decision to embark on a new journey as a farmer.
Through the practise of farming, he has successfully transformed his family's humble mud-house into a sturdy block building. In a remarkable turn of events, the responsibility of providing for the family has shifted to the user, who has taken on the role of the breadwinner. Taking charge of their family's financial well-being, the user has made the decision to employ all of their siblings on their farm, personally ensuring that they receive fair compensation for their work. This newfound responsibility has brought about a significant change in the user's life, as they now bear the weight of supporting their loved ones.


Since venturing into farming, he proudly revealed that he has not only acquired a fleet of vehicles but also a collection of motorcycles for his personal use.
In a recent conversation, Mr. Omega revealed the impressive array of crops he currently cultivates on his land. With a sprawling 12-acre maize field, he clearly has a strong focus on this staple crop. Additionally, he tends to a single acre of yam, showcasing his diversity in agricultural pursuits. Not stopping there, Mr. Omega also boasts two cocoa farms, demonstrating his involvement in the lucrative cocoa industry. It is worth noting that cocoa farming requires a significant amount of expert In a recent announcement, he once again shared the impressive news of his ownership of a sprawling vegetable farm.


The key to his remarkable success story lies in the strong and fruitful collaboration he has fostered with the extension officers from the Agricultural department in the Obuasi Municipality. In a recent statement, the individual mentioned that the department not only provides technical advice but also extends support in the form of various farming tools and supplies. These include farm implements such as cutlasses and wellington boots, as well as essential substances like DDT and Ammonia. Additionally, the department has also assisted by providing seedlings and fertilisers to aid in agricultural activities.


In a recent statement, a farmer who has been involved with the Agric department for the past three years expressed his satisfaction with the lack of challenges he has faced on his farm. Encouraging the residents of Obuasi, particularly the youth, he emphasised the importance of developing an interest in farming due to its numerous benefits.