By: Ashiadey Dotse
President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to develop over 10,000 hectares of irrigated land in Nasia, Tumu, and Gbullung to boost agriculture and create jobs for young people in Northern Ghana.
The President made this statement when the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abubakari II, paid a courtesy call on him at the Jubilee House on Friday, June 13, 2025.
He explained that the initiative, which falls under the Northern Savannah Economic Transformation Programme, will focus on boosting the production of rice, maize, and soya bean.
“This project will create employment for over 8,000 young farmers and help turn the northern region into a strong agro-industrial zone,” he stated.
The President explained that the project will be designed to make the northern region into a major agribusiness industrial zone with Yendi, Savelugu and Karaga as key agribusiness processing centers. In addition, the government will invest in developing the shea and cashew value chains, with new processing centers in Tamale and better market access in Tulong and Zabzugu.
“These efforts will benefit thousands of rural women by offering them stable livelihoods based on traditional skills,” he added.
President Mahama also highlighted the National Apprenticeship Programme, which was launched in Tamale. He said this programme is focused on training young people in practical skills like carpentry, welding, tailoring, shea butter processing, and agribusiness.
He stressed that the government’s 2025 budget has made full provision for the programme and that it will work closely with vocational institutions and the private sector to ensure its success.
“All of this fits into our larger 24-hour economy strategy, which will create more job opportunities and support growth in agro-processing, logistics, and community services,” the President concluded.
