Oyster Agribusiness has reinforced its commitment to strengthening
Ghana’s agricultural value chain, honouring more than 40 farmers at its 2026
Farmers’ Durbar while outlining plans to scale support, diversify production
and deepen value addition. The annual durbar, held in Kintampo, brought together over 650
farmers, development partners and municipal officials to celebrate the
contribution of smallholder farmers to food security and economic growth.
Organised to motivate producers and recognise excellence, the event forms a
central pillar of the company’s farmer engagement strategy.
At this year’s ceremony, 12 farmers were recognised as top performers
for the 2024 and 2025 cropping seasons. Awards included tricycles, motorbikes,
deep freezers, planters, fertiliser applicators and knapsack sprayers,
alongside agrochemicals. Persons with disabilities also received targeted
support, including wheelchairs, highlighting the company’s focus on inclusion.
For the 2024 season, Nana Edmund A. Kandituo of Kyinya was named
Overall Best Farmer after producing 246 bags of sorghum. Tiwaa Felicia of
Kobeda No. 2 won Best Female Farmer, while Haruna Duut, also of Kobeda No. 2,
was adjudged Best Farmer with Disability with a yield of 68.4 bags. Likpaam
Mamey recorded the highest yield per acre at 27.72 bags.
In the 2025 season, Mohammed Ahmed of Kawanpe emerged as Overall Best
Farmer with 304 bags. Dora Yeboah of Bantama was named Best Female Farmer
(94.16 bags), while Ibrahim Ibn-Iddrisu of Kadelso won Best New Farmer
(190.38 bags).
Other awardees included Kofi Mwene (Best Youth Farmer, 138 bags),
Jaboni Ninboti (Best First Season Farmer, 27 bags), Diekuu Alosius (Best Farmer
with Disability, 74.54 bags) and Alice Ankomah (Highest Yield per Acre, 24
bags).
Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Bidzakin, Esq. said the company’s
growth reflects a deliberate strategy to combine input support, climate-smart
training and guaranteed market access.
“Our approach is to build a resilient and inclusive agricultural
ecosystem where farmers are not only supported to produce but are assured of
markets and opportunities to increase their incomes,” she said, adding that
women, youth and persons with disabilities remain a priority in programme
design.
She disclosed that Oyster Agribusiness is expanding beyond staple crop
production into vegetable farming, poultry, livestock and aquaculture, sectors
she described as critical to job creation and long-term sustainability. The
company is also scaling value addition, with products such as tuo zaafi flour,
peanuts, gari and melon seeds being processed to unlock higher market value.
Currently operating in 10 districts in Bono East, the company has
extended its footprint to the Ejura-Sekyedumase and Mampong municipalities in
the Ashanti Region, supporting about 30,000 farmers annually.
Its expansion has accelerated in recent years. From 64 farmers
cultivating 182 acres in 2022, the programme grew to 192 farmers on 1,600 acres
in 2023, and 1,409 farmers across 5,000 acres in 2024. In 2025, participation
rose to 2,470 farmers cultivating 8,129 acres across 10 districts.
The momentum has continued into 2026, with support extended to 120
communities in the first season. About 2,500 farmers have already registered to
cultivate nearly 10,000 acres during the major rainy season.
Bono East Regional Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture,
James Adu, commended the company’s contribution to smallholder development,
describing its work as a “yeoman’s service” to the sector.
He said the Ministry would integrate Oyster Agribusiness’ activities
into its monitoring framework to promote modern and sustainable farming
practices.
“As we celebrate the dedication of our farmers, it is important that
all stakeholders, government, private sector and development partners,
strengthen collaboration to address persistent challenges including market
access, infrastructure gaps and climate risks,” he said.
Kintampo Municipal Director of Agriculture Eric Kontomah echoed the
call for partnership, noting that sustained agricultural growth depends on
coordinated support across the value chain. He reaffirmed the Directorate’s
commitment to extension services, input access and capacity building,
particularly for young people entering agriculture.
On behalf of the Kintampo Municipal Chief Executive, Coordinating
Director Johnson Nyarko highlighted the company’s role in addressing
long-standing market constraints, which have historically led to post-harvest
losses and low farmgate prices.
Beneficiary farmers shared testimonials at the event. Gifty Awuni from
Nyamebekyere said her yields and income had improved significantly since
joining the programme in 2023, while Haruna Duut noted that increased
production had enabled him to better support his family and fund his children’s
education.
Representatives from development partners, including IDH, RDF LBG, the
Ghana Climate Innovation Centre and Calli Ghana Ltd, attended the durbar
alongside traditional leaders and local officials.
Mrs Elizabeth Bidzakin, Esq, CEO, delivering the welcome address at
the event
Distinguished dignitaries gracing the event at Kintampo.
Some beneficiaries were given tricycles to aid in their farming
activities
Some farmers receive their prizes at the event.
Farmers in a queue inspecting the stands at the event, observing the
displays and engaging with the exhibits
Some farmers at the Oyster Agribusiness stand, inspecting and checking
the items displayed
Farmers seated at the event, attentively listening and engaging in the
proceedings.
Some items to be given to some dedicated farmers present at the Oyster
Agribusiness farmer’s durbar
Some farmers from Kintampo and its environs at the event
A farmer receiving an award at the event
Farmers displaying their prize at the event
Some farmers with disabilities (PWDs) receiving their awards at the
event
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