The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of East Mamprusi, Hon. David Bariche Bukari, has announced a groundbreaking agricultural strategy aimed at empowering youth and transforming the local economy through sustainable all-year-round farming.
In an exclusive interview with Radio Tamale, Hon. Bariche emphasized that the new approach will prioritize youth participation in every aspect of project planning and implementation.
One of our greatest potentials is our youth, but the real value lies in turning that potential into productive use, he stated. We will ensure that the interests, needs, and inspirations of young people shape our agricultural initiatives, thereby reducing unemployment and fostering economic growth.
The MCE revealed that the municipality is shifting away from traditional reliance on rain-fed cereal farming. Instead, the focus will be on irrigated, dry-season cultivation of high-demand crops such as tomatoes, onions, and watermelons.
This transition aims to maximize productivity and profitability, recognizing that cash crops like tomatoes and onions can generate significantly higher income per hectare compared to cereals.
Cultivating just one or two hectares of tomatoes or onions can yield more income than several hectares of cereal crops, Hon. Bariche explained. This is why we are making agriculture more attractive and financially rewarding for our people.
To facilitate this strategic shift, the Assembly is collaborating with the Regional Minister to acquire a drilling rig for irrigation purposes. The goal is to enable farmers to practice all-year-round farming, even during the dry season, which is expected to substantially reduce unemployment in the municipality. Hon. Bariche also highlighted the vital role of the private sector in job creation.
Completing university is one thing, but utilizing that knowledge to create new opportunities is another. The private sector has the greatest potential to generate employment and drive economic resilience, he noted.
Farmers are expected to benefit from faster returns and higher market value of targeted crops, which are in daily demand.
When farmers see the quick income they can earn from these crops, they will be motivated to remain in agriculture, thus creating a sustainable cycle of growth, the MCE added.
This initiative forms part of East Mamprusi’s broader strategy to expand private-sector-led opportunities and build a resilient, self-sufficient local economy. The municipality’s innovative approach aims to harness youth potential and modern agricultural practices to ensure long-term development and employment opportunities for its residents.
By: Mahamudu Musah
