The government's flagship programs, according to Simmons Sekyim, Ga North Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), offer a variety of chances for young people to pursue their interests in agriculture.The One-District-One-Factory, the greenhouse technology villages, and planting and rearing for food and jobs are some of the programs aimed at enhancing food security and economic growth.

0

He added that those already involved in the industry were reaping the benefits and that the Assembly was prepared to offer the technical and material support to young people who came to it for help in starting their own farms and animal-rearing businesses.Mr Sekyim was speaking with the Ghana News Agency after the Ga North Municipal Farmers Day celebration on the general theme: “Accelerating Agriculture through Value Addition”.

1

He called on the youth to make a firm decision to start a simple farming activity or animal husbandry and said those already employed could engage in farming as an aside job to get extra income.“With a minimal start-up capital and technical support from the Assembly they were good to go,” he said.“It is always better for the youth to explore other income generation options than to be fixated on only formal employment”.

2

Mr Sekyim commended all award winners and urged them to work harder for bigger awards and recognition in subsequent celebrations.Mr Solomon Bawah won the Municipal Best Farmer and received a refrigerator, TV set, and variety of farm implements.He called on the local authorities to support farmers with irrigation equipment as the irregular rainfall pattern affected the growth and harvesting periods of crops.

3

Mr Bawah urged all citizens to start some backyard farming to ensure food security in addition to maximising income.

4