The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has donated 30 motorbikes to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) to support rice production efforts.
The motorbikes are intended to improve the mobility and efficiency of Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) under the Ghana Rice Production Improvement Project (GRIP).
The donation forms part of an ongoing collaboration between JICA and MoFA aimed at increasing domestic rice production and enhancing national food security.
Ms. Suzuki Momoko, Chief Representative of the JICA Ghana Office, said the gesture reflects JICA’s longstanding commitment to Ghana’s agricultural sector, particularly rice cultivation.
“For more than 20 years, JICA has supported rice production in Ghana. These motorbikes will help extension agents reach farmers in remote and rural areas, ensuring timely technical advice and improved farming practices,” she stated.
The motorbikes would be deployed to AEAs operating in key rice-growing zones, including the rain-fed ecologies of Bono East, Eastern, Oti, and Western North regions, as well as major irrigation schemes at Kpong, Bontanga, Tono, and Weta.
Receiving the motorbikes on behalf of government, Mr. John Dumelo, Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their continued support.
“This donation is timely and strategic, especially for our ‘Feed Ghana Programme’, which depends heavily on the reach and effectiveness of agricultural extension services. With improved mobility, our officers can provide real-time support to farmers, monitor field activities closely, and offer solutions on the ground.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and capacity building to achieve rice self-sufficiency and improve livelihoods in the agricultural sector.
Mr. Dumelo assured JICA that the motorbikes would be used transparently and effectively, with a focus on delivering measurable impacts in the target communities.
GRIP seeks to enhance productivity and profitability among rice farmers through improved technical assistance, infrastructure, and access to modern farming practices.