Kintampo: 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.
According to Ghana News Agency, a statement issued in Accra said the event was organised to motivate producers and recognise excellence. 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. The statement added that 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. Madam 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, while Madam Dora Yeboah of Bantama was named Best Female Farmer with 94.16 bags. Ibrahim Ibn-Iddrisu of Kadelso won Best New Farmer with 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).
Madam Elizabeth Bidzakin, Chief Executive Officer of Oyster Agribusiness, said the company's growth reflected a deliberate strategy combining 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. She disclosed that Oyster Agribusiness was expanding beyond staple crop production into vegetable farming, poultry, livestock, and aquaculture, among other sectors, to support job creation and long-term sustainability.
She added that the company was 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, growing from 64 farmers cultivating 182 acres in 2022 to 1,409 farmers across 5,000 acres in 2024, and 2,470 farmers cultivating 8,129 acres across 10 districts in 2025.
Mr James Adu, Bono East Regional Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, 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.