Some farmer groups, women, and entrepreneurs in the Upper East region have launched a business strategy to improve and commercialise farming activities across the region. 

The initiative dubbed the Business Farmers Association of Ghana (BUFAG) seeks to conduct business activities such as facilitating farming inputs, machinery, and agricultural value-chain for farmers. 

“Members of the association will collectively purchase agro-inputs necessary for agricultural production and the value-chain initiatives including facilitating the supply of farm inputs, farm machinery, and extension services," Prof. Joseph Larry, the Executive Chairman of BUFAG, stated at the launch of the Association in Bolgatanga, on Wednesday 15th, March 2023.  

Prof Larry explained that the aim was to improve the profitability of agribusiness in the Upper East and North-East Regions. 

“We want to help farmers harness their collective might and adopt best practices and technologies to sustain and increase agricultural production to improve the socio-economic well-being of indigenes,” he said.

Prof. Larry who is also the Dean of Students at the Bolgatanga Technical University, called on technocrats and business people to embrace the initiative for high heights of agriculture activities in the two regions of the North. 

The Association was formed in 2020 with 200 members and is made up of three levels; the district, regional and national levels. 

Each level according to the Technical Facilitator of the Association, Ibrahim Jamal Deen, will ensure that business activities were conducted efficiently towards effective productivity and agricultural growth.

He noted: “The district level, regional level, and national level each, will ensure that business activities are conducted towards effective productivity. 

“You will agree with me that in the agricultural sector, coordination among farmers over the years has been a challenge. So, with this union, we seek to make a difference in the nation's growth in the area of agriculture.”

The Upper East Regional Director of Agriculture, Alhajj Fuseini Zakaria also used the initiative to encourage members, especially women to improve upon their participation as well as food growth. 

“I’m using this initiative to call on the women groups to use this BUFAG as a stepping stone to improve upon the crop production and participation in Agro-activities,” Alhaji Zakaria said.

Meanwhile, the Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, has assured the group of government's commitment to improving the Agriculture sector.