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Adopt innovative farming methods – Ayawaso East MCE
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Ayawaso East Municipal Assembly (AEMA), Hajia Salma Sani Mohammed Adams-Kuta has advocated the adoption of technology and innovation by farmers regarding the effects of COVID-19 pandemic .
This, according to her, would improve food security, nutrition and economic development.
Hajia Adam-Kuta said this during the 36thFarmer’s Day celebration of the Assembly in Accra last Friday which was on the theme “Ensuring Agribusiness Development under COVID-19, opportunities and challenges”.
The programme brought together people from all walks of life.
She said the agricultural sector sustained more than half of Ghana’s labour force, made up to 54 per cent of Gross Domestic Product and 40 per cent of export earnings.
The MCE stated that Government had boosted the agricultural sector to attain national food-self-sufficiency through its flagship programmes such as the planting for food and jobs among others
The Director of Agriculture of AEMA, Reverend Charles Asem-Bansah in his remarks said the department in the Assembly exist to assist in the implementation of policies and advise on matters related to agricultural development.
He said the Assembly had among other things this year, conducted farmers census in the Municipality to identify and register farmers and set up a mushroom crop house to demonstrate mushroom production to farmers.
“By the end of the year the Department would have constructed a mushroom crop house and will train 10 youth in the municipality to equip them with mobile crop housed to go about their businesses,” he added.
A 36-year old farmer from Nima, Benard Larki, with 10 years experience, was adjudged the best farmer in the Municipality.
Mr Larki, a student at the University of Ghana, and an past student of the Adisadel College is into cultivation of cash crops, animal husbandry and aquaculture and has adopted integrated cultural practices to boost productivity.
He received a certificate, knapsack spraying machine, two cutlasses, a motorbike, fertilisers and weedicides as his award .
Other farmers who were also presented with awards were, Mr Osman Issah, first runner up, Mr Isaac Teye Tetteh, best crop farmer, Mr. Mudalib Saani, best livestock farmer, Ms Sharonrachel Cobbina Brown, best youth farmer.
The best Agric Extension officer award was also presented to Mr Alexander Ansong Gyamfi.
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Accra Technical University (ATU) on Tuesday officially launched its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 in Accra, aimed at driving innovation and strengthening institutional capacity across key operational areas.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Humphrey Awuletey Williams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oswal Investments Limited, explained that the strategic plan seeks to respond to emerging challenges while positioning the institution as a forward-thinking leader in development.
He urged the university’s leadership to leverage their expertise to train students to be innovative and produce competitive products for both African and international markets.
According to him, employers increasingly demand competence-based human capital beyond academic certificates to drive development.
Mr Williams commended the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, and other stakeholders for developing what he described as a ‘formative tool,’ and encouraged them to ensure its full implementation.
The Vice Chancellor of ATU, Mr Amevi Acapkvovi, emphasised that the strategic plan focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
“The strategic plan is not just a document, but a commitment to excellence, accountability and progress,” he said, adding that inclusivity is also central to the institution’s operations.
He outlined seven key focus areas of the plan: industry-based education; digital transformation and modernised infrastructure; quality assurance and institutional excellence; industry-driven research, innovation and entrepreneurship; staff development, motivation and welfare; strategic partnerships and increased visibility; and sustainable and green technologies.
Prof. Ernest Abotsi, stressed that the plan must not ‘gather dust’ but should be actively implemented to achieve success.
“Currently, ATU is adopting measures to assess the cost of running the institution, and this plan will serve as a guide to promote the university at every level,” he said.
Stakeholders present lauded the initiative, noting that its clear framework and measurable targets would help track progress and ensure transparency in the institution’s operations.
The university expressed confidence that, with support from partners and staff, the plan would significantly contribute to national development and set a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
The ceremony brought together stakeholders from government, traditional leadership, academia, industry, and civil society.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
It was an exciting moment as hundreds of revellers from various parts of Accra trooped to the Independence Square beach in Osu to celebrate Easter.
Dressed in all kinds of beach costumes, parents were seen with their children having fun and enjoying the moment.
Others made the best of their outing by engaging in other fun activities.
The revellers engaged in games such as football, ampe, athletics while others just sat, relaxed to release stress amidst music provided by some revellers.
By Lizzy Okai
