Beekeepers undergo ten-day training

The Ghana National Beekeepers Association (GHABA) has organised a 10-day training of trainers workshop on advanced beekeeping for 30 members at Nkoranza.

The workshop, organised by the Project Managing Unit (PMU) of the Netherlands, was to improve on the participants’ capacity in managing their farms and impart the knowledge acquired to other members to promote beekeeping in the communities.

Topics treated included accommodating bees to prevent swarming, colony division and transfer of bees to check congestion in bee hives, feeding of bees for increased honey production, processing and packaging.

Mr Wouter Schouwstra, Senior Expert of PMU and a facilitator said the Unit assisted 65 development projects and industries in the country last year.

They included promoting cashew oil extraction, fisheries and fish processing, pharmaceutical production, cattle breeding, pig farming, food processing, catering and restaurant services and health care management.

He stressed the need for the beekeepers to manage their farms properly and obtain ready market for their produce for improved livelihood as well.

Mr Richard Okoe, President of the Association, commended Nkoranza-Kwabre Rural Bank for offering credit facilities to members which had encouraged them to expand their projects.

He expressed concern about bushfires as the major challenge affecting beehives due to the perennial bushfires in the communities.

Mr Okoe appealed to the Municipal and District Assemblies to support local fire volunteers to check bushfires to prevent farmers from losing their food crops and other properties during the dry season.

Madam Stella Amoatemaa, Nkoranza South Municipal Chief Executive, commended PUM for their support to promote the growth of cottage industries in the country and pledged to assist the members in their projects to create more job opportunities.

Source: GNA