The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has donated 30 motorbikes to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) to enhance the work of Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) under the Ghana Rice Production Improvement Project (GRIP).

The initiative seeks to boost domestic rice production and strengthen food security across the country.

The motorbikes are expected to significantly improve the mobility and efficiency of AEAs, particularly in rural areas where transportation challenges often limit their ability to reach farmers.

With better access to farming communities, AEAs can now provide more frequent and timely technical support, helping farmers adopt improved cultivation practices for higher yields and increased incomes.

GRIP focuses on rain-fed rice-growing areas in the Bono East, Eastern, Oti, and Western North regions, as well as key irrigation schemes at Kpong, Bontanga, Tono, and Weta.

Through enhanced extension services, the project aims to strengthen rice production systems and reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported rice.

Receiving the donation on behalf of MoFA, Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr John Dumelo, expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their continued support toward Ghana’s agricultural development.

He noted that the donation comes at a crucial time for the success of the government’s “Feed Ghana Programme,” which relies on efficient extension services to reach farmers with modern technologies and best practices.

“This support is timely and strategic. These motorbikes will enable our extension officers to reach more farmers, ensuring that vital knowledge and technologies are delivered to even the most remote communities,” Mr. Dumelo stated.

He further assured JICA that the Ministry would ensure proper use and maintenance of the motorbikes, with transparent deployment to achieve measurable results.

The long-standing partnership between Ghana and Japan continues to focus on innovation, sustainability, and capacity building within the agricultural sector—key drivers for achieving food self-sufficiency and rural development