Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister on Friday said it was the government's aim to financially empower farmers with micro- credit facilities to boost agricultural production. He however cautioned that the intervention must not be construed as a thank you gift for party functionaries. He stressed that no party member should conceive the idea that because they assisted the National Democratic Congress in diverse ways to recapture political power, such monies would be disbursed to them in appreciation for their efforts. The Regional Minister said the loan facility was meant for every qualified Ghanaian farmer and must be paid back. Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo was addressing a durbar at Bomaa in the Tano North District to mark the 25th Regional Farmers' Day celebration, where Mr. Sampson Yaw Kodom, 57, from Nkoranza was adjudged the Regional Best Farmer. For his prize Mr. Kodom received a corn mill, sewing machine, bicycle, spraying machine, radio cassette player, pair of Wellington boot, some wax prints, five machetes and a certificate. Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo emphasized the need for farmers to apply modern techniques in their activities to achieve higher productivity. He urged agricultural extension officers and technical advisers to ensure equitable and fairly distribution of fertilizers to farmers. The Regional Minister also used the occasion to launch the Regional Anti-bushfire campaign and therefore cautioned the people against rampant and indiscriminate bush burning. Mr. Emmanuel Asante-Krobea, Regional Director of agriculture said Ghana was able to provide only 15 per cent of its fish requirements and therefore urged the people to enter into the lucrative business to step up production. Mr. Kodom told newsmen that he had been in farming since 1971 adding that the award was the fourth he had received so far. He said his ultimate goal is to clinch the national prize. Source: GNA