Dr Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ekumfi, has launched an agricultural and environmental initiative with the distribution of some 35,000 coconut seedlings to traditional leaders, farmers, and households in the constituency.
The initiative is intended to empower households economically, while combating climate change and positioning Ekumfi as a hub for Ghana’s fast-growing coconut industry.
Dr Kwainoe, launching the programme at brief ceremony, expressed disquiet over the persistent coastal erosion in the Ekumfi communities which continued to devastate farmlands and homes.
“Along our coastlines, we see the painful story of erosion, houses swallowed, and communities forced to retreat. But we will not fold our arms in despair. We will fight back with knowledge, with innovation, and with the strength of nature itself.”
He noted that the coconut trees would not only serve as a natural barrier against coastal degradation but also improve soil fertility, absorb carbon, and provide long-term environmental protection.
The MP underscored the economic value of coconut, describing it as the “tree of life” with limitless benefits from food and drink to oil, crafts, and energy.
He observed a fast growth in Ghana’s coconut industry which was generating significant foreign exchange, entreating his constituents to leverage the opportunity.
“With these seedlings, we are taking steps to make our district a hub of coconut farming, processing, and marketing. This will create jobs for our youth, open markets for our women traders, and bring more revenue to our local economy,” he stressed.
Dr. Kwainoe assured the people of Ekumfi of a more practical and result-oriented leadership to address many of their challenges.
He pledged to introduce more initiatives in the coming weeks, including improved farming inputs and training to modernise agriculture and protect the environment.
The constituents expressed joy and appreciation for the initiative and pledged their commitment to nurturing the seedlings religiously to realise the vision for the initiative.
Nana Gyaasi, the chief of Ekumfi Ebiram, eulogised the MP for the gesture, describing him as an ideal leader.
“Coconut farming will not only restore our lands but also restore the pride of Ekumfi. Our people will remember this day for generations,” he said.
For many farmers, the distribution was a life-changing intervention.
Mr Edwin Mensah, a farmer from Otabanadze, noted, “for years we have struggled with crops that do not survive the harsh conditions, and we believe that the coconut will give us reliable income and hope.
Source: Access Agric
