Northern Ghana Set to Benefit from Two Transformative Agricultural Projects

Northern Ghana is set to benefit from two transformative projects aimed at advancing food security and economic growth in the region. The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, made the announcement during a recent visit to the Upper West Region, accompanied by French Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Jules-Armand Aniambossou.

The Agricultural Water Management Project (AWMP) and the upcoming Boost Ecological Transition Towards Enhanced Revenues (BETTER) Project are being jointly funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Union. These initiatives mark a pivotal step in revitalizing the northern regions, addressing the persistent challenges within Ghana’s agricultural sector, including production inefficiencies and inadequate infrastructure.

“The AWMP is a €47 million, five-year initiative aimed at developing 1,000 hectares of irrigated land, which will directly benefit at least 6,000 smallholder farmers,” Mr. Opoku stated. The project will be implemented across 18 districts within the Upper West, Savannah, and North East Regions. Key components of the project include the construction of eight new small-scale dams, the rehabilitation of ten existing dams, and the development of over 45 boreholes for irrigation.

The BETTER Project will complement the AWMP by promoting agroecology, agroforestry, and climate resilience across the five northern regions. Set to cover nine districts and 90 communities, the BETTER initiative aims to support 4,500 direct beneficiaries, with an emphasis on increasing income among women and youth.

“These projects are crucial parts of our Feed Ghana Programme, which seeks to transform our agricultural landscape,” Mr. Opoku said, adding that they exemplify a synergistic approach to integrating national development goals with international support.

French Ambassador to Ghana his excellency Aniambossou at the occasion reinforced France's enduring commitment to Ghana's agricultural transformation, framing the country’s involvement as both a diplomatic priority and a shared human obligation. “This is not just about infrastructure; it is about improving human livelihoods,” he emphasized, reflecting a personal dedication to sustainable development within the region.

The two projects collectively aim to impact over 50,000 people across 25 districts, highlighting the AFD’s commitment to collaboration as it celebrates 40 years of service in Ghana. Clementine Dardy, the AFD Country Director, assured that the agency is dedicated to working alongside the Ghanaian government to enhance agribusiness development.

Upper West Regional Minister, Lawyer Charles Lwanga Puozuing at the event , acknowledged the challenges posed by climate change, reinforcing the Regional Coordinating Council’s support for the projects aimed at uplifting farmers’ livelihoods.

During their visit, the delegation inspected the Busa Irrigation Scheme, designated for rehabilitation under the AWMP. This intervention will address critical infrastructure needs affecting local farmers, particularly women. With 80 percent of the 180 farmers expected to benefit from the rehabilitation being women, the initiative is anticipated to create job opportunities and foster economic resilience.

Community leader Biihee Naa, Naatasung Jaafar Pelpuo, expressed optimism, noting the community's reliance on farming amid ongoing water challenges during the dry season. He described the proposed rehabilitation as a “dream come true,” affirming its potential to empower local residents and offer hope for a sustainable future.

As Ghana moves forward with these projects, the prospects for agricultural development in the northern regions are brighter, promising an era of resilience, sustainability, and growth.