Ghana Armed Forces hold agric fair
The Ghana Armed Forces(GAF), on Thursday held an Agricultural Fair in Accra as part of activities to mark the Ghana Armed Forces Community Relations Week, which is being held from November 14 to 19.
Under the theme, “Ghana Armed Forces-facilitators of Peace and Order for National Unity,” the event seeks to promote good relations between the GAF and the public. It also aims to help identify areas where the military could be of assistance to the general public.
Major Ampobi Frances, Deputy Director in Charge of Protocol at the General Head Quarters of the Ghana Armed Forces, told journalists that whilst this was the second time the GAF was having a community relations week, it was the first time an agricultural fair was being held as part of the activities.
Touching on the agricultural fair, he said the Military High Command had a policy for all military units to go into agricultural production.
He said the military had engaged in farming activities over the years but these activities had been stepped up within the past year, adding that apart from supplementing the nutritional needs of the military, the project was also meant to improve upon food availability for the public.
He said the GAF also sought to contribute its quota towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal of eradicating hunger by 2015, with its agricultural project.
Major Ampobi said the GAF would also liaise with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, in order to come up with better farming skills for the over-all development of the country.
Lt. Kennel Akorful, who is in charge of the fair, said it was the aim of the GAF to improve upon the fair in years to come.
He said the agricultural project had so far been successful, adding that this had been achieved because the animals as well as food products were being closely monitored by veterinarians and other qualified experts.
Some award winners at the agricultural fair were the Air Force Base in Takoradi which came first in the crops category as a result of cultivating 80 acres of maize and harvesting 960 bags.
In the livestock category, the Air Force Base in Tamale came first for producing 150 cattle and 1,500 guinea fowl.
In the Agronomy category, the Air Force Base in Takoadi came first with 3,000 seedlings of palm oil, whilst Sgt Danso of the Third Battalion came first in the Individuals Category for producing 1,000 guinea fowls, 400 rabbits, 14 turkeys and 3,000 layers.
Products showcased at the fair included various breeds of livestock, some varieties of maize, palm nut, banana, amongst others.
Other activities that would he held to mark the week-long activities include blood donation exercises, clean up exercises, fun games and donations to orphanages.
Source: GNA