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Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development on Friday urged farmers to collaborate with agricultural extension officers and research institutions to help increase their produce. Speaking at Tema Metropolitan Farmers Day Celebration at Tema Manhean, Mr Ampofo noted that working hand in hand with the agricultural officers and research institutions would also ensure an increase in food production and food safety. The theme for the celebration was, �Grow more food: strengthening farmer based organisations for market place bargaining power�. Due to the national celebration of the Farmers Day been held in the Greater Accra Region, districts in the region organised theirs a week after the national celebration. Mr Ampofo congratulated the 21 winners in the metropolis for their work hard, which won them the laurels and for feeding Ghanaians over the years. Mr Kempes Ofosuware, Metropolitan Chief Executive in a keynote address said the theme for the celebration was a reminder to the authorities to make sure the number of interventions are properly utilised to make farmer based organisations (FBOs) strong and competitive. Mr Ofosuware said by strengthening FBOs, farmers could become more competitive, cost effective and have better bargaining power in the market place. He added that over the past two years, the Metropolis had assisted 30 farmers with GH�10,000 to cultivate 25.5 acres of maize and vegetables. Mr Edem Asumaning, 2012 Metropolitan Best Farmer thanked the Assembly for the award and gave the assurance that he would mentor the youth to go into farming. Mr Asumaning who holds a masters degree in agriculture also advised young graduates not to solely depend on getting white colour jobs but should venture into other jobs including farming. Mr Asumaning was the 2008 Metropolitan Best Farmer and 2010 Greater Accra Regional Best Farmer. For his price, the 50-year-old received a certificate, tricycle, bicycle, cutlasses and wheelbarrow. Innusa Adams who was adjudged the best metropolitan fisherman also received a tricycle and a certificate.