He is the first runner-up of the 2016 National Best farmer. Akududgu has managed Ariku Farms -an agribusiness in Buzua, Binduri district of the Upper East region- for the past 12 years.

The company currently supports about 1,151 out growers with certified seeds and out grower services in the Binduri District and Bawku Municipality.

He’s been the overall Bawku Municipal Best farmer and Upper East region best seed grower in 2008 and 2013 respectively and was adjudged the 2010 Upper East Region Best farmer

With over 248 acres out of 330 acres farmland cropped with 11 different types of grains and cereals, including maize, soybean, rice, cowpea, millet, sorghum, groundnut and certified seeds (soybean &maize).

Akudugu, has since 2012, added new lines of business, including three fishponds, with total stocking rate of over 4,000 supplying hotels, restaurant and schools in the Upper East Region.

Ariku farms also has 60 acres under mango and 30 under cocoa

• He has 39 cows, 50 sheep and 41 goats under his management
• He supports over 625 smallholder farmers who work on 800 acres land in 23 communities
• He won the National Best Seed Grower in 2013