THE Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Eric Opoku, last Wednesday launched the World Food Programme (WFP) local fabrication of agricultural equipment in the Savelugu Municipality of the Northern Region.
The launch also formed part of the outdooring of the Local Fabricators Post-Harvest Equipment Programme by WFP. The event was held under the theme: ‘Local Fabrication for Food Systems-Transformation: Reducing Post-Harvest Losses through Youth Skills and Mechanisation.’
About 230 individuals trained by WFP in fabricating agricultural equipment were also graduated in the municipality as part of the initiative, which aims to enhance food security and combat hunger in northern Ghana.
Mr. Opoku described the programme as a timely and strategic intervention that speaks directly to Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda, leading to better outcomes, higher quality produce, and stronger rural economies across the country.
He emphasised that the future of the country’s agriculture lies in efficiency, value addition, and building local capacity, stating that transformation “does not come from importing solutions, but from building capacity right here in Ghana at various homes such as young people fabricating machines that would protect Ghanaian harvests.”
The Minister applauded WFP for training 231 youth artisans to fabricate 300 maize and soybean threshers, adding that “this was not just about numbers but it has also created a skilled workforce that will serve this country long after the end of the programme.”
He further noted that with over 3,000 farmers expected to benefit, the initiative would reduce post-harvest losses, increase income, and enhance the dignity of work, particularly by empowering women farmers and equipping youth with relevant skills.
• Ms. Aurore Rusiga (fourth from right) handling over the equipment to Mr. Eric Opoku (third from left)
Mr. Opoku commended WFP, the Mastercard Foundation, and all partners for supporting the initiative.
The Country Director of WFP, Ms. Aurore Rusiga, said the initiative represents a practical Ghanaian solution to one of the most persistent challenges in food systems—post-harvest losses.
She stated that WFP views food security holistically, covering production, harvesting, processing, storage, and access to markets.
Through the initiative, WFP is working with the Gratis Foundation to strengthen local fabrication, skills, and ownership.
Ms. Rusiga added that the programme is being implemented across seven technology solution centres in the country, including Hohoe, Domaah, Savelugu, Konongo, Bolgatanga, and Techiman.
She concluded that the initiative aligns strongly with the Feed Ghana Programme, particularly its mechanisation agenda.
FROM YAHAYA NUHU NADAA, SAVELUGU
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