BY VALENTIA TETTEH
In a bid to strengthen food security and promote year-round farming in northern Ghana, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has embarked on a comprehensive working tour across the Northern and Savannah Regions.
The tour, which targets communities along the White Volta banks and key dam sites, seeks to explore practical measures to improve irrigation and water management for farmers.
During his tour of the Northern Region, Mr Ayariga visited Savelugu, Gushei, and Yendi, engaging with local farmers, agricultural extension officers, and community leaders. Discussions centered on strengthening existing irrigation schemes, assessing water management practices, and identifying opportunities to expand the cultivation of crops beyond the rainy season.
“We are here not just to observe but to learn from the experiences of farmers on the ground. Our goal is to provide practical solutions that empower farmers, enhance agricultural productivity, and ultimately improve livelihoods in these communities,” Ayariga said.
In the Savannah Region, the Majority Leader toured Salaga, Katanga, Saabongida, Daboya, and Chitto. These visits included interactions with traditional leaders, local farmers, and technical officers from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The focus was on maximizing the use of the White Volta River and surrounding dams to implement sustainable irrigation systems that can support high-yield farming throughout the year.
Farmers in the region expressed optimism about the MP’s engagements. One farmer in Daboya noted, “It is encouraging to see our concerns being heard. We hope that these discussions will translate into tangible support, especially in improving access to water for our crops.”
Mahama Ayariga emphasized that the working tour reflects a broader commitment to developing northern Ghana as a strategic hub for national food production. He said the tour aligns with the government’s agricultural transformation agenda, which prioritizes irrigation development, modern farming practices, and the promotion of agribusiness as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth.
