He was accompanied by Mrs Gifty Eugenia Kusi, the Deputy Western Regional Minister and a team of officials from the Ministry and the Region.

Dr Akoto first visited the rice farm in Simpa, which is a government project in the Tarkwa Nsueam Municipality.

Many of the farmers who had the opportunity to interact with the Minister said they lacked machines and tools used for planting and harvesting of the grains.

They appealed to the Minister to assist them with the necessary logistics to attract more youth into the programme and to reduce the unemployment rate in the area.

At Bonsaso, the Minister and his team visited the Bonsaso coconut seed garden where the supervisor, Mr Emmanuel Adepaduah, took them round.

He said they did not have enough staff, their drains were chocked and fertilizing the farm has become a challenge due to financial constrains.

The supervisor said they are currently staffed by three officials and two personnel from the Nation Builder Corps (NABCO) programme who have been posted there.

Mr Adepaduah said they need thirty five workers to oversee the daily affairs of the farm.

The Minister and his entourage later had a brief discussion with Nana Kwaaba II, Chief of Simpa and his elders.

Dr Akoto assured the farmers of government's support and commitment adding that government is working hard to ensure the development and growth of agriculture in the country.

Nana Kwaaba II called on the Minister to address all the issues raised by the farmers to improve upon agriculture activities in the area.