Story by Dennis Bebane
The European Union Ghana Agriculture Programme has handed over 51 motorbikes and 15 tricycles to Departments of Agriculture to improve farming, market access, and the delivery of agricultural extension services in northern Ghana. The 15 tricycles will support smallholder farmers in transporting produce to local and regional markets more efficiently, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing income generation.
Presenting the bikes to beneficiary districts, European Union Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, said the 51 motorbikes will empower Agricultural Extension Officers to reach remote communities with relevant agricultural information.
Some of the motorbikes and tricycles were handed over to the various Departments of Agriculture in all the 11 districts of the Upper West Region. The rest were presented to the Departments of Agriculture in Sawla-Tuna-Kalba and North Gonja in the Savannah Region, and Mamprugu Moagduri in the North East Region.
The 15 tricycles were given to farmer groups who received awards during the 40th Farmers’ Day celebrations to help them improve their farm productivity.
The European Union Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, said mobility is key to rural development, both for accessing markets and delivering agricultural extension services. He said that, as part of the EU’s broader commitment to Ghana’s rural infrastructure, including the financing of 674 km of feeder roads, the provision of the 15 tricycles and 51 motorbikes is a complementary effort to address mobility challenges in northern Ghana.
Mr. Razaaly reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and resilient rural livelihoods in northern Ghana.
Upper West Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozuing, commended the EU for their continuous support in the agriculture sector. Mr. Puozuing said the EU’s support and commitment to development in the Upper West cannot be underestimated. He pointed out that the programme the EU is running in northwest Ghana has increased production and improved best farming practices over the years.
An Agricultural Extension Officer from Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District, Yahaya Mubarikata, explained that the motorbikes will help reach remote communities with ease and recounted how, at one time, one motorbike was allocated to two Extension Officers to supervise two different Extension Areas (EAs).
Chairman of the Wa West District Organic Groundnut Farmers, Abdulai Issahaku, thanked the EU for helping them realize their dreams. He was equally grateful to the EU for the various trainings organized for them in relation to projects in the region.
