In a remarkable achievement, the Soil & Irrigation Research Centre (SIREC) under the School of Agriculture at the University of Ghana was honoured as the Best Fish Farm at the 2023 Municipal level celebration of Farmers Day by the Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Assembly Department of Food and Agriculture.
The award was recently presented to the Provost of the Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman by the leadership of SIREC, including the Head of the Centre, Prof. Macarious Yangyuoru and the Cage Fish Project Manager, Mr. Stephen Selomey.
Prof. Yangyuoru highlighted the success of the Cage Fish Farming Project, noting an expansion to 94 cages for tilapia cultivation and sale. He mentioned the introduction of outboard motors to increase canoe speed and productivity as key factors in their success.
Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman, Provost of the College, congratulated the team and pledged ongoing support for their improvement initiatives. He revealed discussions with industry partners to transition from metal cages to plastic cages and assured that the necessary stakeholders would be engaged to address any challenges and provide logistical support for their duties.
The Provost joined by the Dean of the School of Agriculture, Prof. Irene Susana Egyir, the College Secretary, Mrs. Mavis Otoo-Ayeh and the Public Affairs Officer of the College, Ms. Victoria Anim, officially received the award from SIREC.
The Best Farmer Awards took place at the Ayermesu Arko School Park in Odumase-Krobo, during a celebratory event organised by the municipality. SIREC was presented with a certificate of honour signed by the Honorable Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, along with an impressive array of farming equipment and essentials.
He commended SIREC and the University of Ghana for their investment in fish farming, which in addition to providing employment opportunities for young people has also contributed significantly to food production in the municipality.
This recognition of SIREC signifies the strong commitment of the University of Ghana to excellence in agricultural research and development.
Management of the University commends and congratulates the Centre on the significant achievement.