Ministry Of Food and Agriculture Handed Over Essential Infrastructure Projects to Beneficiary Communities

Tordzinu, Volta Region – The Ministry of Food and Agriculture, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has handed over essential infrastructure projects to beneficiary communities across the country.

The ceremony, held at Tordzinu in the Volta Region, marked a significant milestone in the implementation of the Emergency Support to Rural Livelihoods and Food Systems Exposed to COVID-19 (ESRF) Project. The project, initiated by the Government of Ghana in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has made significant contributions to the country’s food security and agricultural sector.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong said the ESRF project has implemented various interventions over the past three years, including providing Personal Protective Equipment to 26,700 supply chain actors, fertilizers and improved seeds to 24,782 smallholder farmers, cash transfers to 5,000 vulnerable households, training for 1,000 smallholder farmers, and provision of small-scale food processing equipment to 5,500 farmers.

Dr. Bryan also revealed that the project has constructed farm tracks, water harvesting facilities, drying platforms, and boreholes in various regions across the country. These projects are expected to provide market access to more than 5,500 residents in surrounding communities and serve as a source of potable water in most of these communities.

The Minister thanked all stakeholders involved in the project’s success and particularly commended the Country Director of IFAD for her guidance and cooperation during implementation. The project’s managers have worked closely with beneficiary communities and individuals to ensure sustainability and ownership of the projects.

The handing-over ceremony is a testament to the government’s commitment to empowering smallholder farmers and improving food security in Ghana. The projects are expected to have a significant impact on the lives of beneficiaries and contribute to the overall growth of the agricultural sector.