Agriculture key to repositioning Upper East Region – Regional Director of Agriculture
The Upper East Regional Director of Agriculture, Mr. Abubakar Fuseini, has identified agriculture as one of the strongest pillars for transforming the regional economy, urging government, investors and development partners to channel greater resources into the sector.
Speaking at the three‑day Upper East Regional Development Strategic Forum under the Pearl Initiative, Mr. Fuseini said the region is naturally endowed with vast agricultural resources capable of creating jobs, reducing poverty and attracting investment when properly harnessed.
He noted that the Upper East Region holds enormous potential in livestock production, crop farming, irrigation agriculture, aquaculture and other agricultural value chains.
“The Upper East Region is blessed with enormous agricultural potential. We have opportunities in livestock, irrigation, crop production, fish farming and several other areas that can transform the regional economy if we invest strategically,” he stated.
Mr. Fuseini highlighted the strategic importance of major water bodies such as the Tono Dam, Vea Dam and Bagre Dam, explaining that they provide reliable opportunities for all‑year‑round irrigation farming. This, he said, makes it possible for young people to engage in commercial agriculture beyond the rainy season.
He stressed that expanding irrigation agriculture would not only boost food production but also create sustainable employment for thousands of young people across the region.
“The Tono Dam, Vea Dam and Bagre Dam are strategic assets. They give us the opportunity to produce throughout the year and create employment for our youth,” he said.
The Regional Director called for increased investment in agricultural infrastructure, mechanisation, irrigation systems, storage facilities and value addition to enable the region to fully exploit its comparative advantage.
He added that with the right investments, the Upper East Region could become a major supplier of vegetables, grains and other agricultural products to neighbouring countries, thereby boosting trade and increasing incomes for farmers.
“We need the necessary support and resources to expand agricultural production so that we can take advantage of the growing markets across our neighbouring countries,” he urged.
Touching on the security situation in Bawku, Mr. Fuseini suggested that agriculture could serve as a powerful tool for promoting peace and economic recovery. He observed that although Bawku remains one of the region’s most productive agricultural zones, years of conflict have disrupted economic activities and affected livelihoods.
According to him, creating meaningful employment opportunities through agriculture under the Pearl Initiative would keep young people productively engaged and reduce their vulnerability to violence.
“If government invests heavily in agriculture in Bawku and engages the youth through the Pearl Initiative, many of them will shift their focus from conflict to improving their own lives, supporting their families and contributing to community development,” he emphasized.
The three‑day Regional Development Strategic Forum brought together traditional rulers, Tindanas, political leaders, investors, business promoters, technocrats and other key stakeholders to develop practical strategies for unlocking the economic potential of the Upper East Region through the Pearl Initiative.