Semanhyia Learning and Development Farms has shifted its operations from Berekum in the Bono Region to Abesim, a farming community in the Eastern Region, following an order for its closure by local chiefs due to a longstanding taboo.
The farms will serve as a research Center for livestock rearing in Ghana.
The unexpected closure of the five million cedis worth of Semanhyia Farms in the Berekum Senase community was prompted by traditional leaders enforcing a historic taboo against rearing live goats on Berekum lands.
In response, the farm has been relocated to Abesim near Nankese in the Suhum municipality of the Eastern Region after approval by the traditional rulers in the area.
During a visit to the new site, construction was observed underway as Fredrick Benneh Frimpong strives to sustain his vision despite adversity.
Speaking to Starr News, the CEO of Semanhyia Farms Frederick Benneh Frimpong said the farm will serve as a research center for modern livestock rearing in Ghana, aimed at training more individuals in the industry
Frimpong stressed the farm’s role in modernizing livestock rearing and training initiatives.
“What we are really hoping to train more farmers that are interested in livestock farming. In order to go into livestock farming and to succeed, you need to be able to have the knowledge and at the moment if somebody wants to go into livestock farming, except going to a typical school there is no way you can that practical experience reason we are building this to be able to educate people”
The CEO expressed gratitude for initial personal financial support from the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, who facilitated the purchase of an additional four-acre land to expand operations, and additionally pledged support of the ministry.
Fredrick Benneh Frimpong called for the need for traditional leaders to reassess certain taboos and traditions that may hinder entrepreneurial endeavors, urging a shift towards cultural modifications to accommodate modern realities.
The question of whether all taboos remain relevant in modern society or if it’s time to reassess their relevance is a pertinent one. While some taboos may hold cultural significance and contribute to social cohesion, others may hinder progress and entrepreneurship.
The evolving nature of society calls for a critical examination of traditional norms to ensure they align with contemporary values and objectives.
Osabarima Ansah Sasraku III, Chief of Akuapem Mampong highlights the importance of reevaluating cultural practices, sharing how he, as Chief of Mamfe, lifted an old age taboo on eating foods made with corn on Mondays in his traditional area, emphasizing the need for cultural modifications
He said there’s a growing recognition of the need to reevaluate taboos to foster development and inclusivity in modern communities.
“the prohibitions that were placed by our forefathers we should look at them in these modern times and see if some modifications can be done so that the communities will thrive and maintain our cultures in modern times for development, either than that we will be stuck”. Osabarima Ansah Sasraku told Starr FM.
Source:Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Kojo Ansah
