Technical Education Development for Modernized Agriculture in Ghana (TEDMAG), a programme of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s (MoFA) Modernizing Agriculture in Ghana (MAG), was funded by Global Affairs Canada. The purpose of TEDMAG was to develop a more market-oriented and farming -as-a-business approach to agriculture. Working together on common goals and beliefs about shifting to market -driven agriculture will help both public and private extension workers to succeed in working with farmers and the food system in Ghana.
Focusing on market -oriented agriculture requires a shift in attitude, skills and knowledge for agricultural extension and development workers as well as the farmers they work with.
This Technical Education Development for Modernizing Agriculture in Ghana has been captured in three pillars namely;
1. Extension Methods for the New Extension Agent
2. Post-Harvest Management in the Agricultural Value Chain
3. Farmer-Based Organization: Your role in Modernizing Ghana’s agriculture.
AGENDA
1.Identify potential stakeholders and collaborators to work with extension educators throughout the value chain.
2. Apply participatory methods for communicating knowledge and skills to build capacity among farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural value-chain
3. Build capacity of extension workers to develop more market-oriented and farming -as-a-business extension programmes.
PARTICIPANTS
DESCRIPTION SEX DESIGNATION
RESOURCE PERSON FEMALE RAO CROPS
STAFF MALE MISO
STAFF FEMALE HOD
STAFF FEMALE VETERINARY
STAFF MALE AEA
STAFF MALE NSS

EXTENSION METHODS FOR THE NEW EXTENSION OFFICER
The role of the extension Officer in relation to fostering a market-driven system that is focused on the value chain and interacting with the various actors in the value chain and also presents clear, practical tools for use in facilitating learning based on the value chain among adults and youth- with specific attention to gender and engaging with different stakeholders for various purposes.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
1. Identify and work with various stakeholders and extension educators throughout the value chain.
2. Apply participatory methods for communicating, sharing knowledge, and developing skills to build capacity among farmers and other stakeholders in value-chain agriculture.
3. Build capacity of extension workers to develop more market-oriented and farming-as-a-business extension programmes that link actors the value chain.
KEY POINTS
1. This training is focused on equipping Ghana Extension for work to help farmers and agriculture be more market-oriented.
2. Working together on common goals and beliefs about shifting to value-chain agriculture that will help extension succeed in work with farmers and the food system in Ghana.
3. Focusing on market-oriented agriculture may require a shift in attitude as well as practice.

POST-HARVEST MANAGEMENT IN THE AGRICULTURAL VALUE CHAIN
This supports a training-of-trainers that focuses on one part of that value chain-post harvest management with recommendation on how to teach concepts of market and marketing not on production. It compromise food safety and highlights some of the organizations and resources that actors in the agricultural value chain can reference for information on handling and processing foods. It also looks the economic impact of post-harvest loss, the components of practices for managing post-harvest losses in general and considerations for the standards necessary for maximizing food value.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
1. Identify and work with various stakeholders and extension educators throughout the value chain.
2. Apply participatory methods for communicating, sharing knowledge, and developing skills to build capacity among farmers and other stakeholders in value-chain agriculture.
3. Build capacity of extension workers to develop more market-oriented and farming-as-a-business extension programmes that link actors the value chain.

IMPORTANCE OF POST-HARVEST MANAGEMENT IN THE VALUE CHAIN
1. It maintains quality of product
2. It reduces loss
3. It contributes to food security
4. It adds income for the producer/farmer and everyone else along the value chain.
5. It helps meet consumer preferences and demand and, therefore, provides better markets for farmers.
6. It helps meet requirements for export markets
7. It improves return on investment when meeting market demand
8. It minimizes or reduces effects of climate change
For Example,
a. Climate change may reduce the growing season, leading to lower yields. Heat may affect poultry moulting.
b. Rains affect roads and access to markets
c. Persistent rains or cloudy weather may affect solar drying of vegetables

FARMER-BASED ORGANIZATION: YOUR ROLE IN MODERNIZING GHANA’S AGRICULTURE.
This focusses on learning and working together as an organization to better enter and compete in the marketplace. The content uses the agricultural value chain as a context for applying the group dynamics and skills needed to build viable businesses at any point along the value chain. Special attention is given to inclusivity as a means of improving the economic, social, and environmental results of extension work in benefits of extension workers’ ability to broaden their reach by working with groups rather than individuals.

TRAINING OBJECTIVES
1. Identify and work with various stakeholders and extension educators throughout the value chain.
2. Apply participatory methods for communicating, sharing knowledge, and developing skills to build capacity among farmers and other stakeholders in value-chain agriculture.
3. Build capacity of extension workers to develop more market-oriented and farming-as-a-business extension programmes that link actors the value chain.
KEY POINTS
1. Effective Communication in farmer -based organizations
2. Conflict Management in Farmer based-organization
3. Inclusivity in Farmer-Based Organization
4. Youth in Farmer-Based Organization
5. Markets and the value chain
6. Markets Demand and Market Supply
7. Product Standards
8. Food safety and hygiene
9. Business Planning for the Farmer-Based Organization

Joining the President to commission the astro turf was Ministry of Youth and Sports Minister Hon. Mustapha Ussif, Greater Accra Regional Minister Henry Quartey, Coastal Development Authority Director, Alajo Mantse, Greater Accra Mayor among others.

Speaking at the official opening Sports Minister Hon. Ussif said: ” The Alajo community has today joined the privilege list of communities with astro turf in the country. And without doubt this facility will go a long way to provide sports within the community and also offer a perfect platform for other recreational activities,”

Greater Accra Regional Minister Hon. Quartey also spoke: “The Sports Minister is here and can testify that the national team most of the players come from Zongo communities. So we want to play football here so that we can also get Partey from here. And get other professionals from here. I went to beg the President and Vice President that my community needs an astro turf. I was successful and the long and short of the matter is that today the astro turf has come to existence,”

President Akufo Addo lauded all those involved in completing the project. “The facility lobbied by Hon. Henry Quartey was constructed by the infrastructure for eradication of poverty program under the Coastal Development Authority (CODA) which is headed by youthful chief executive one of your own Jerry Ahmed Shaibu. Ladies and Gentlemen as you all know football is a great passion for our people Ghanaians are not only obsessed about our domestic league and the fortunes of our national teams. Thanks to satellite tv they are also avid watchers of the great leagues of Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Ayawaso Central alone has unearthed several footballing geniuses in our nation such as Anas Seidu, Mohammed Klutse, Abedi Pele, Osei Kuffour, Yaw Preko, and Mohammed Kudus. We want to see more Mohammed Kudus, Abedi Peles been discovered that is why the development of sporting infrastructure around the country is crucial to this end,”

Alajo XI took on a select XI which included Stephen Appiah, Jerry Akaminko, Charles Taylor, John Paintsil, Prince Tagoe, Fatua Dauda, Godwin Attram, Dan Quaye, Haminu Dramani, Emmanuel Agyeman Badu, among others.

Acma Goes Traditional is a yearly program that is established to promote our traditional made in Ghana outfits.
This activity involves all staff of Acma wearing their traditional clothing that depicts the tribes they come from. We can see that our way of dressing is gearing too much towards the western styles. It is time to promote made in Ghana traditional wears for the world to see our rich and beautiful native outfits.

We know that every tribe have their unique way of dressing. These beautiful traditional wears can be worn to any occasion.
Every month of March, being the independence month and also wear Ghana month, let all staff in Acma dress to promote and express their traditional pride.

Annually, we are going to do this activity to promote made in Ghana traditional dresses.
These dresses are so colourful and beautiful that even foreigners love to wear. So let us do all we can to promote our made in Ghana traditional dresses for the world to see.

The Ayawaso Central Municipal Health Directorate on the 21st February hit its principal streets to sensitize people on the need to get vaccinated against the deadly covid 19 pandemic.

They mission was to create awareness of the virus, and how important it was to get all the phases of the vaccine, thereby being protected and also stopping its spread.
Hawkers were also advised on the need to still protect themselves in their everyday endeavors.
Some of the places visited included the Mallam Atta Market, the poly clinic, Abavana School streets and some parts of Kokomlemle. The exercise ended at midday with a message by the Municipal Health Director, Marian Achiano.

The Gender Desk of Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly on the 6th February this year organized a sensitization workshop with learners at the Tailors and Dressmakers Association ANT. The exercise was on gender-based violence, their types and reporting their channels.
A total of 48 pupils were present, 17 being males and 31 being females. This exercise took place in Accra Newtown.

As part of my FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL celebration, the Ayawaso Central Municipal Education Director Mr Augustus Agyemfra with some Management members visited some selected schools within the municipality to welcome KG and P1 learners back to school.
Some of the schools visited were KPEHE R/C BASIC SCHOOL, KWAME NKRUMAH MEMORIAL BASIC, KOKOMLEMLE 1&2 PRIMARY/KG, ACCRA NEW TOWN 3 BASIC among others.
learners were given stationery to aid their learning

On the 23^rd December, 2022 the Ayawaso central municipal and the assembly registered a total number of twenty-six persons living with disability onto the photo album to enable them benefit from the disability fund

The Ayawaso central municipal Assembly on the 7^th December,2022 transferred the 79^th and 80^th cash grant to its LEAP households, it has eight (8) beneficiary households within its twelve electoral areas they are currently receiving cash transfer under the LEAP program

The Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly collaborated with the Municipal Health Directorate to commence the celebration of the

‘2022 WORLD AIDS DAY’.

The theme for the celebration was,

‘20 YEARS OF MULTI-SECTORAL HIV RESPONSE: ACCELARATING PROGRESS TO END AIDS’

The activity started from 1^st to 3^rd December, 2022.HIV/AIDS is on the increase especially within the greater Accra region which has its percentage 2.3 % higher than the national percentage at 3.4 % and national at 2.4%, as a result of these alarming realization the assembly embarked on counselling and testing at circle and at kokomlemle ATTC school park, during the celebration of 2022 Farmers Day and also at the Attah nii park at Nkansah Djan

The Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly has celebrated its edition of 38 th National Farmers
Day at the Accra Technical Training Centre in Accra. The celebration was the Assembly’s 3 rd
edition since its inception in February, 2019.
Speaking at the programme, the Municipal Chief Executive of the Ayawaso Central Municipal
Assembly, Hon. Alhaji Mohammed Ababio Quaye said, as we are all aware, the first Friday of
December in every year has been set aside to celebrate and recognize hardworking farmers and
fisher folks as well as all those involved in the Agriculture value chain who have contributed
tremendously towards the socio-economic growth of our dear nation.

He said, it is therefore not out of place that Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly has joined the
nation in this solemn occasion to highlight and appreciate our hardworking farmers and all those
who have contributed their quota to the Agricultural progression of this Municipality and the
Country as a whole.
The MCE therefore congratulated all the winners for this year’s celebration. He expressed his
heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated farmers and all those involved in the Agriculture value chain
who against all odds put in their exhaustive energy to offer the desired food security to this
Nation and also sustain our industrial machinery over the years.

Touching on this year’s theme for the celebration which is “Accelerating Agricultural
Development through Value Addition”, Hon. Alhaji Quaye said, the theme has carefully been
selected to reflect the continuing needs to improve agriculture in the country.
He however used the opportunity to call for the support of the planting for Food and Jobs agenda
by the government to help products and add value to it. He urged Ghanaians to consume more of
what we produce in Ghana to improve our economic well-being as a country.
The MCE made known that other interventions by the the Assembly and the Municipal
Agricultural Directorate include training of livestock farmers in feed formulation, training
market women in food safety and hygiene, Training Crop Farmers on climate change mitigating
measures, Vaccination of small ruminants against PPR as well as vaccination of Cats and Dogs
against rabies which is currently ongoing in the Municipality.
He said, despite Ayawaso Central not being a tradition farming community due to insufficient
land, the Assembly still supports residents, especially the youth to venture into backyard
farming, vertical, poultry farming, rabbit and grass cutter farming, snail farming, mushroom
farming, fish farming as well as agro-processing and value addition to agricultural products.
The Municipal Director of Agriculture in Ayawaso Central, Mrs. Martina Mensah in her address
said, “if we can locally produce what we eat and consume what we produce and possibly add
value to our produce, it will enhance our socio-economic well-being as people”. ‘It is therefore

imperative that we take advantage of all resources at our disposal which include the little spaces
on our compounds and in our backyards coupled with the technical assistance from the
Municipal Agricultural Directorate to produce food and subsequently add value to it irrespective
of the quantities’’, she stated.

She continued that, it is extremely gratifying that we as Ghanaians have deemed it worthy to
honor our men and women who through discipline and hard work, have excelled in their various
fields of endeavor. “We want you farmers and all those involved in the agricultural value chain
herein gathered to know that we appreciate your efforts, endeavors, perseverance and
determination to success”.
The Agric Director expressed her gratitude to everyone who in diverse ways contributed to make
the Farmers’ Day celebration a reality. “Making an occasion like this come to a reality could not
have been the singular effort of an individual or institution, but a network of collaborators”, she
stated. She thanked all donors and wished them success in their businesses so that they could
support again in the future when they are called to do so.
Mrs. Mensah also expressed her gratitude to the Municipal Assembly for its staunch and
unyielding support. “To the members of the Farmers’ Day Planning Committee, I say kudos for
your hard work and commitment”. She also wished the Award winners well and advised them to
keep their focus on higher laurels beyond the Municipality and never relent in their efforts. “And
to the non-award winners, I say don’t give up, put the past behind you and press forward”, She
concluded.
A 39 year old Carlos Selassie Yaotse who is a catfish, snail and local birds farmer was adjudged
the Overall Best Municipal Farmer.

For his prize, he took home a tricycle, Water tank, wheel
barrow, knapsack sprayer, Wellington boots and other farming implements. The best Woman
farmer was Hajia Alima Nabbah

and she also took home Water tank, wheel barrow, knapsack
sprayer, Wellington boots and other farming tools. The best Municipal Poultry farmer also went
to Mr. David Nii Tetteh Ahinakwa. He took home Water storage tank, Deep Freezer, Wheel
barrow, knapsack sprayer, Wellington boots, feed mash and other farming materials. The best
Institution in Agric went to Abavanna Cluster of schools. They received Water storage tank,
wheel barrow, knapsack sprayer, Wellington boots, Agro chemicals, fertilizers, seeds and other
farming tools. The best Youth in Agric went to Adams Arafat who also took home Water
Storage Tank, Wheel barrow, Knapsack Sprayer, Wellington boots, Table Top Fridge and other
farming tools.

Dignitaries who graced the occasion were the New Town Chief, Nii Aduananko II, the Kotobabi
Chief Commander, Madam Augustina Enti, the Nima Divisional Commander, Mr. Eric Asiedu
and the Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Julius Kuunuor.

Report by:
Miss Ivy N.A.A. Quansah
(Mun. Information Officer)