Newage Agric Solutions Ltd, a leading player in Ghana’s agriculture sector, has successfully launched its health screening project for farmers in Botanga, a critical rice production area for the premium Evivi Rice brand, to help improve the health of the farmers in the area.
Held in collaboration with Afrika Nyornu and Chi-Gaba, this event marked a significant milestone in Newage’s commitment to supporting the farmers who contribute to Ghana’s food security. The health screening offered a wide range of services including dental care, malaria testing, blood pressure, glucose, eye, and cervical cancer screening to over one thousand (1000) farmers in the Botanga area.
The initiative addressed the growing need for accessible healthcare in farming communities, many of which have limited access to regular medical services. Cervical cancer, a leading cause of death among women in Ghana, was a key focus of the screening. The cervical cancer screening offered women in Botanga a rare opportunity for early detection, potentially saving the lives of many who hitherto do not get such opportunities.
Commenting on the success of the initiative, Mrs. Beatrice Nortey, Corporate Services Manager of Newage Agric Solutions Ltd, stated, “This is a historic moment for both our company and the farming community. While our primary focus has always been on delivering high-quality agricultural inputs on credit, today we also demonstrate our commitment to the health and well-being of the farmers and their families. We are pleased with the remarkable turnout, which highlights the value the community places on this partnership. We look forward to replicating this initiative in our other operational areas.”
A special session on menstrual hygiene for young women in the community was a key highlight of the event. Participants received valuable education on proper menstrual health management and were provided with free menstrual kits. In rural areas like Botanga, where access to such resources is often limited, this initiative helps break down barriers and ensures that young women can manage their health with confidence.
Maloe Nartey, the Executive Director of Afrika Nyornu, also emphasized the importance of menstrual hygiene education, saying, “Menstrual hygiene is often a taboo subject in many communities, but it’s essential for the health and well-being of young women. By educating them and providing the necessary materials, we are helping the next generation lead more confident lives.”
Further reinforcing the significance of the event, Business Development Manager for Newage Agric Solutions Ltd, Asare Bediako remarked, “The farmers are the backbone of our industry, and their health is crucial to sustaining agricultural production. We are immensely grateful for the trust they have placed in us, and we will continue to develop initiatives that support their well-being.”
Mohammed Alhassan, a beneficiary, emphasized the importance of health care for farmers, citing a local proverb: “In good health, you can see the rains.” He urged fellow farmers to seize opportunities for health checks.
“The impact of this particular screening here has been very great because once we are in good health, we will be healthy enough to continue with our farming activities. I advise all farmers that whenever such a screening exercise is brought to our doorsteps, they should make sure that they capitalize on it,” he said.
Another beneficiary praised Newage Agric Solutions Ltd and Afrika Nyornu for enhancing farmers’ quality of life since their arrival in the community. The overwhelming turnout, he noted, testified to Newage’s positive impact and community support.
“If such screenings are done once a year, we will be happy. Not all of us go to screenings on our own. We just wake up and go to our farms. For a farmer, our sight is very important. If you cannot see you cannot do anything well. No words of appreciation can describe our appreciation of this company. Since Newage came here we have been enjoying everything about them,” he emphasized.
Through this event, Newage Agric Solutions is carving a new niche for itself in the area of corporate social responsibility in the agriculture sector, demonstrating that a thriving agricultural community depends not only on productivity, but also on the health and well-being of the individuals who make it possible.
