Agriculture production tends to be very low during the dry season in the Northen sector of Ghana. In the semi-arid communities of Northern Ghana, access to reliable water for irrigation has been a critical constraint limiting agricultural production beyond the rainy season.
To ensure year-round production to sustain food security and improve farmers’ income during the drying season, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku through a request made to the Government of Canada through the Global Affairs Canada has supported the flagship “Feed Ghana Programme” with twenty-five (25) solar-powered boreholes for dry season gardening across three regions; the Northern, Savannah, and Upper West Regions.
“The journey that brings us to this occasion, began with a vision of a Ghana where no farmer is left behind; where the harsh realities of dry season, no longer dictates the limits of agricultural production; and where women farmers, who form the backbone of food production, have access to the tools, technology, and water resources they need to thrive,” Hon. Eric Opoku, Minister for Food and Agriculture said during the commissioning.
He commended the Canadian High Commissioner, H.E. Myriam Montrat and the Government of Canada through the Global Affairs Canada for responding to his request during the courtesy call of the High Commissioner at his office about the 25 solar powered boreholes.
“Today, I am extremely pleased to report that all 25 boreholes have been completed, and are in full operation. This support is being delivered through the Greater Rural Opportunities for Women Phase 2 project (GROW 2 Project) implemented by the Mennonite Economic Development Associates, widely known as MEDA”, Minister appreciated Canadian Government.
According to the minister, during the dry season, farmers, especially women farmers are forced into months of inactivity after the harvest season, resulting in food insecurity, loss of income, and deepening poverty and this is the reality that these boreholes are designed to change.
Minister mentioned that the solar-powered borehole installed would provides clean, reliable, and renewable energy-driven water access for year-round vegetable production. He opined that beneficiary communities will now cultivate tomatoe, pepper, onion, leafy vegetables, and other high-value crops throughout the dry season, significantly boosting household food security and income.
He assured the farmers that government is fully committed to the Feed Ghana Programme, which represents the bold, comprehensive, and transformative approach to achieving food sovereignty and agricultural prosperity for all Ghanaians. The Feed Ghana Programme recognises that sustainable food production requires investment in infrastructure, and water infrastructure is foremost among those priorities.
He underscored the Ministry and the Department’s assistance through the field officers to continue to provide technical support, extension services, and monitoring to ensure that the installations deliver maximum benefit to the farmers.
“I wish to express our most sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Canada, through the Global Affairs Canada, and the Canadian High Commission of Ghana for this generous and impactful contribution. Canada has demonstrated, time and again, that it is a true friend and strategic partner in the development of the Agricultural sector in Ghana. The people of Moglaa and all the beneficiary communities will long remember this act of solidarity and friendship”. Minister acknowledged.
