Buipe: The Life Patron of the Savannah Farmers Brigade (SFB), Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II, has commended the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, for the government's donation of 5,000 bags of 50kg NPK and Urea fertilisers to support farmers across northern Ghana. Speaking on behalf of the brigade, which comprises more than 2,000 smallholder farmers across the Savannah, Northern, North East, Upper East, Upper West, Bono, and Bono East regions, Buipewura Jinapor described the intervention as timely and significant for agricultural production under the government's 'Feed Ghana' programme.
According to Ghana Web, the Savannah Farmers Brigade was established to unite and empower smallholder farmers across northern Ghana. Although the organisation is yet to be officially inaugurated, it has already grown into a movement with over 2,000 members committed to transforming agriculture in the Savannah ecological zone. Buipewura Jinapor disclosed that following the challenges farmers faced during the season, the brigade appealed to the Minister for Food and Agriculture for support. Eric Opoku responded by facilitating the release of the 5,000 bags of fertiliser, fulfilling his commitment to stand with farmers and enhance agricultural productivity.
Buipewura Jinapor noted that the distribution of the fertilisers to the brigade's regional branches had already commenced under the supervision of its leadership, expressing confidence that the inputs would improve maize production and strengthen the country's food supply. He expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for appointing Eric Opoku as Minister for Food and Agriculture, describing the Minister as a leader who listens to the concerns of farmers and takes action to address them.
"We are deeply grateful to the Minister and the government for this intervention. This support has renewed hope among thousands of farmers and will improve productivity during this farming season," he stated. While celebrating the fertiliser support, the Life Patron of the brigade appealed for additional assistance in the form of weedicides to help farmers protect their crops and maximise yields. "Like Oliver Twist, we will always ask for more," he remarked with a smile.
Buipewura Jinapor reaffirmed the brigade's commitment to ensuring the fertilisers are distributed transparently and used efficiently for their intended purpose. He further pledged the organisation's continued partnership with the government and other stakeholders to increase food production, improve household food security, and position northern Ghana as Ghana's breadbasket. He also disclosed that the Savannah Farmers Brigade looks forward to officially inaugurating the organisation with plans to invite President John Dramani Mahama and Eric Opoku as special guests in recognition of their support for the agricultural sector.