€10 Million Project to Boost Food Production and Resilience in Northern Ghana
By: Isaac Boamah Darko
In a significant move towards ensuring food security in Northern Ghana, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, has signed a document to kickstart the implementation of the “EU Food Security Response in Northern Ghana” project. This project is a collaborative effort between the Government of Ghana, the European Union (EU), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) Conference Room, saw the participation of Dr. Acheampong, Dr. Yurdi Yasmi, the FAO Representative to Ghana, and Deputy Regional Representative, H.E Irchad Razaaly, the EU Ambassador. These key figures signed the document, signaling the official start of the project.
The project aims to promote food security and enhance the resilience of rural communities in Northern Ghana. It is a testament to the strong partnership between Ghana and the EU, as well as the FAO. During the ceremony, Dr. Acheampong expressed his gratitude to the EU for their consistent support and reliable partnership in Ghana’s development journey. He acknowledged the significant contributions made by the EU, through its member states and development programs, towards Ghana’s economic progress. The agricultural sector, in particular, has received substantial grants over the years, with the current 11th European Development Fund allocating €132 million for various interventions in the sector.
Dr. Acheampong also expressed his appreciation for the long-standing relationship and collaboration with the FAO. The FAO has been a valuable partner, providing support through several Policy and Technical Cooperation Projects (TCPs) in the agricultural sector.
Ghana has been selected, along with other West African countries, to receive funds from the EU’s regional project aimed at enhancing food security. This initiative is part of the EU’s response to address the food crisis and economic shock experienced by vulnerable African countries due to global challenges such as COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and climate change.
The project, with a budget of EUR 10,000,000.00, will be implemented by the FAO in close collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) and other relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Local Government. Private sector players will also be involved in the project’s implementation.
The “Food Security Response in Northern Ghana” project is an emergency response initiative designed to contribute to the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) 2.0 program and other national priorities. Its main objective is to enhance sustainable food production and strengthen the resilience of food systems in Northern Ghana.
With the signing of this document, Ghana takes a significant step towards achieving food security and improving the livelihoods of its rural communities. The collaboration between the Government of Ghana, the EU, and the FAO promises to bring about positive change and long-term sustainability in the agricultural sector of Northern Ghana.