Agric Minister announces two agricultural transformation projects to boost development in Northern Ghana

The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has announced the rollout of two major agricultural development projects aimed at revitalizing the northern regions and advancing the country’s food security and economic growth agenda.

The two projects, the Agricultural Water Management Project (AWMP) and the soon-to-be-launched Boost Ecological Transition Towards Enhanced Revenues (BETTER) Project are being jointly funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Union.

The minister made the announcement during his visit to Upper West Region together with the French Ambassador to Ghana H. E Jules-Armand Aniambossou to review agricultural projects implemented by the Government of Ghana with support from France and the European.

Mr Opoku described the projects as crucial components of the government’s flagship Feed Ghana Programme, which is set to be officially launched by President John Dramani Mahama on April 12 in Techiman, Bono East Region.

The Minister acknowledged the persistent challenges in Ghana’s agricultural sector, including production inefficiencies, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to essential inputs.

In response, the government initiated the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA), a strategic framework to drive agribusiness development, enhance food security, reduce inflation, increase export revenues, and create sustainable jobs for the youth.

The AWMP is a 47 million euros five (5) year project co-financed by the European Union Delegation to Ghana and French Development Agency (AFD). The project is being implemented across 18 districts in Upper West, Savannah and North East Regions. Its main objectives are to develop 1,000 hectares of irrigated land, directly benefitting at least 6,000 smallholder farming families.

It also includes the construction of eight (8) new small-scale dams, rehabilitation of ten (10) existing dams and the development of more than 45 boreholes for irrigation.

Set to be launched soon, the BETTER project complements the AWMP and focuses on promoting agro ecology, agroforestry, and climate resilience. It will be implemented in the five northern regions, covering nine districts and 90 communities.

The project aims to leverage 1000, 000 hectares of irrigated land from the AWMP, supporting 4,500 direct beneficiaries and 45,000 indirect beneficiaries with at least 40 per cent women and youth.

It will also strengthen value chains for four key commodities, including soya, vegetables, and beekeeping.

Mr Opoku highlighted that BETTER will help beneficiaries build resilience to climate change while transforming rural economies through value addition, marketing, and community development.

 “These projects are not standalone efforts. They represent the convergence of our national vision with international solidarity-a fusion of Feed Ghana with the catalytic support of AFD and the EU to deliver lasting change in our communities,”Mr Opoku said.

H.E Jules-Armand Aniambossou underscored France’s deep commitment to Ghana’s agricultural transformation, framing the country’s involvement in ongoing development projects not just as a diplomatic priority, but as a shared human and regional cause.

The Ambassador noted that while the AWMP and BETTER projects—jointly funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Union—are priorities for France, they also reflect broader goals that go beyond infrastructure and irrigation.

“It is, for me, first of all, a human cause,” the Ambassador stated, highlighting a personal and cultural connection to West Africa and a shared sense of responsibility for sustainable development in the region.

Clementine Dardy, the Country Director of the French Development Agency, announced that over 50,000 people across 25 districts will benefit from the two projects. She highlighted the AFD’s dedication to collaborating with the government of Ghana as it marks 40 years of service in the country.

Lawyer Charles Lwanga Puozuing, the Upper West Regional Minister in his address mentioned that the challenges of climate change and its adverse effects continue to threaten the livelihood of farmers. He expressed the commitment and support of the Regional Coordinating Council towards the projects for the benefit of farmers in the region.

As part of their visit, the delegation visited the Busa Irrigation Scheme which is identified under the AWMP for rehabilitation.

The intervention by the AWMP will be the filling of gullies and reshaping of the dam wall, work on the spillway approach and repair of canals and drains. The rehabilitation will benefit up to 180 farmers, 80 per cent being women.

Biihee Naa, Naatasung Jaafar Pelpuo, speaking on behalf of the Busa Naa Ali Seidu Pelpuo during the visit, highlighted the community’s dependence on farming as its primary source of livelihood. He noted the challenges farmers faced during the dry season due to limited access to water for irrigation.

He described the proposed rehabilitation as a dream come true. He mentioned that the rehabilitation presents an opportunity for job creation for women and young people in the community.