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Hon. Simon Peter Kofi Ofosu, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Akatsi North, has commended farmers and all stakeholders in promoting agricultural activities in the district.
“I say Ayekoo to you all. It is my prayer that you remain resolute to the course of championing the growth of agriculture in the district and Ghana as a whole.”
Mr Peter Ofosu made the appeal at Ave-Xevi in the Akatsi North District of the Volta region on Friday during the district’s celebration of the 39th Farmers’ Day.
In the face of climate change and evolving agriculture landscapes, Hon. Simon Peter Kofi Ofosu charged the farmers to strive to innovate, adapt, and implement smart solutions to ensure food security and build resilience in the agricultural sector.
“The theme for this year is not just a catchy phrase, but a call to action,” he said.
He further indicated that precision agriculture with the use of modern technologies such as drones, sensors, data analytics, and the empowerment of farmers was required for delivering smart solutions for sustainable food security and resilience.
Hon. Simon Peter Kofi Ofosu, touching on addressing some of the challenges, said the government under the leadership of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic, implemented the Planting for Food and Job (PFJ) as well as the Rearing for Food and Job programmes.

He said the introduction of the second phase of PFJ was necessary after the end of phase 1 in 2022.
“This programme is aimed at helping farmers get inputs supply and access to market through an aggregator.”
Hon. Simon Peter Kofi Ofosu further said farmers would be linked to aggregators for inputs at the onset of the farming season where the aggregators would return to buy the products of the farmers at the cost of inputs supplied without interest charges.
He also highlighted several key interventions and programmes to be rolled out by the Assembly toward providing smart solutions in the agricultural value chain.
Ms Bridget Yayra Sah, the Akatsi North District Director of Agriculture, said the tireless efforts, commitment, and dedication to cultivating the land had not only provided sustenance for our families “but have also contributed significantly to the economic growth of our district.”
“Despite the challenges you face, you continue to toil with passion and resilience, and it is only fitting that we take a moment to honour and celebrate each one of you,” she said.
She said the Department of Agriculture, in its pursuit of agricultural development in the District, conducted some key activities within the year.
“As mandated, the Agricultural Extension Agents conducted 2,304 home and farm visits to our farmers to assist them with solutions to their problems.”
Ms Sah said the Department collaborated with OCP Ghana Limited to conduct to test soil samples from 300 farmers’ fields to ascertain the soil fertility status in the District.
She said the OCP group also used the opportunity to train the Department staff to understand and be able to interpret the test results and the recommendations made to farmers.
“Within this programme, 12 community fora were organised by Agriculture extension agents, and 845 participants benefited from the programme.”
She outlined other key activities her outfit carried out over the period.
This year’s event was under the theme: “Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience.”
Setudor Dzodzi Philip, a farmer from Nudowukope, was adjudged as the District’s Best Farmer.
Awards such as tricycle, deep freezers, Wellington boots, spraying machines, cutlasses, TV sets, and others were given to deserving farmers who excelled over the period.
The occasion witnessed colourful attendance from Chiefs, queen mothers, assembly members, heads of Departments, and several others.

On 29th November, 2023, the Internal Audit Unit received a laptop from the Internal Audit Agency (IAA). This initiative was funded by the European Union in helping MMDAs across the country to ensure quality assurance in service delivery.

The Hon DCE handed over the laptop to the Internal Audit Unit.

Hon. Presiding Member,

Hon. Member of Parliament, Akatsi North Constituency,

Hon. Assembly Members,

Heads of Decentralized Departments,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

2023 Annual Action Plan

Hon. Presiding Member, the level of implementation of activities in the 2023 Annual Action Plan as at 30^th September, 2023 was about 46.09%. This as a result of the inability of the Assembly to received funds to execute the projects as envisaged. For instance, it is in our plan to construct a market shed at Ave Xevi, construct police station at Ave Dzalele, drill 8 mechanized boreholes with polytank storage across the district, complete the slaughter house at Ave Dakpa and procure additional 300 dual desk and 150 pieces of KG furniture for our schools in 2023. But unfortunately, the Assembly has not received any amount for the execution of these projects. These projects are carefully selected to positively affect the lives of our people in the district. The DACF budget for the year is GH¢2,969,379.98 and as at August 2023, the Assembly receive only GH¢450,515.84 representing 15.17%.

Hon. Presiding Member, the IGF budget for the year is GH¢240,223.67 and as at September 2023, we are able to collect GH¢136,243.00 representing 56.71%.

Hon. Presiding Member, the inability of the Assembly to receive inflows from its revenue sources envisaged (DACF, DPAT and IGF) have affected our plans for the year.

The detailed performance of the Third Quarter 2023 Annual Action Plan in respect of specific programmes, projects and activities implemented under the various Development Dimensions of the National Development Framework –Agenda for Jobs; creating prosperity and equal opportunities for all carried out during the year is presented in the table below.

The Akatsi North District Assembly, through the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, undertook a commendable initiative to empower 37 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) made of 18 males and 19 females by providing them with revenue-generating items. The program aimed to enhance the economic independence of PWDs, thereby integrating them more fully into society. The program was organized in the various communities on the schedule which is from 26th October, 2023 to 7^th February, 2024.

The primary objective of the initiative was to equip 37 Persons with Disabilities with the necessary tools and resources to generate income independently. By providing items such as deep freezers, cassava graters, plastic chairs, wheelchairs, sewing machines, and cement bags, the program aimed to create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods among PWDs.

The program was facilitated by the Akatsi North District Assembly together with Department of Social Welfare and Community Development. Over the course of several months, the Disability Fund Management Committee vetted and approved  identified eligible beneficiaries who needed revenue-generating items urgently. The selection process prioritized individuals with disabilities who demonstrated a willingness and capacity to utilize the resources effectively for income generation.

The presentation was held in the various electoral areas the beneficiaries are coming from between 26th October, 2023 to 7th February, 2024 with a notable turnout of stakeholders and community members. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the District Chief Executive, the District Coordinating Director, chiefs from various communities, staff of the District Assembly, assembly members and members of the local communities.

Speeches from the District Chief Executive, commended the efforts of the assembly in promoting inclusivity and empowerment. He encourages the beneficiaries to make good use of the items given to them as it was procured upon their own request and approved by the Disability Fund Management Committee.

 He also appealed to community members to patronize the services of the beneficiaries to sustain their businesses and livelihood. He added that, government is committed to the empowerment of the PWDs.

 Each recipient received their respective items. These items included:

Deep Freezers, These appliances were provided to enable beneficiaries to engage in businesses such as frozen food sales, ice block production, and cold storage services.

Cassava Graters: Facilitating the processing of cassava into various marketable products, such as gari, flour, and cassava dough, these graters were allocated to enhance the economic activities of the beneficiaries.

Plastic Chairs: Supporting the establishment of small-scale rental businesses, the provision of plastic chairs aimed to enable beneficiaries to generate income through event rentals, meetings, and gatherings.

Wheelchairs: Addressing mobility challenges, wheelchairs were distributed to enhance the accessibility and independence of PWDs within their communities.

Livestock: Two persons requested for goats to rear which 3 goats each were given to the beneficiaries for rearing at Avevi and Ave Posmonu communities.

Other Items: Knitting machines, Industrial Sewing, Digital Photo printer

Hand Sewing Machines, Palm Kernel Cracker and water pumping machine. Additionally, other supportive materials or resources such as cement and roofing sheets were provided based on individual needs and preferences.

A beneficiary receiving a deep freezer at Ave Dakpa