Asanko Gold expands agric support programme to 80 farmers in Ashanti Region

Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd has expanded its Community Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) to benefit 80 smallholder farmers in the Ashanti Region. The new beneficiaries come from 12 communities in the Amansie West and Amansie South districts. The initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and assist farmers in dealing with rising input costs, shifting rainfall patterns, and limited access to agricultural extension services.

Isaac Kwakye, Asanko's Social Responsibility Manager, explained that the program seeks to bolster agriculture and support local livelihoods. By providing farmers with inputs, training, and technical assistance, the company hopes to improve farming practices and increase food production. Isaac Kwakye emphasized that strengthening agriculture would lead to better food availability in the regions.

Beneficiaries from the initial phase of the program will continue to receive agricultural extension services to maintain and build upon their progress, while the second phase will onboard new farmers. Justice Fenteng, General Manager of Asanko, highlighted that agriculture is crucial for food and income in the company's surrounding communities.

He pointed out that farmers still encounter high input costs, weed-control challenges, changing rainfall patterns, and inadequate access to technical support. For Phase Two, each participating farmer managing at least one acre will receive weed-control inputs, Wellington boots, a raincoat, a cutlass, and a knapsack sprayer. These items are chosen to assist farmers in essential tasks such as land preparation, weed management, and ensuring safety during work.

The intervention aims not only to distribute resources but also to equip farmers with knowledge on using them effectively through practical training in climate-resilient farming methods. These sessions will cover farm planning, weed management, responsible input usage, equipment handling safety, and adapting farming practices to evolving rainfall conditions and other weather factors.

Esther Afoakwa, Assistant Director of Agriculture for Amansie South District, mentioned that illegal mining is contributing to a decline in young people's interest in agriculture, as many are turning to mining for income instead. She noted that farming is predominantly undertaken by older individuals as younger generations are drawn to mining.

Ms Afoakwa welcomed Asanko's intervention, stating that it would help farmers enhance their activities and strengthen their household livelihoods. A beneficiary from one of the participating communities expressed gratitude for Asanko's support, stating that it would aid in improving farming activities and hoped the company would continue to offer assistance to farmers in their communities.