EU-GAP Hands Over Motorbikes, Tricycles to Boost Agriculture in Northern Ghana

The European Union Ghana Agriculture Programme (EU-GAP) has handed over 51 motorbikes and 15 tricycles to the Departments of Agriculture and farmer groups across northern Ghana in a move aimed at strengthening agricultural extension services and improving market access for smallholder farmers.

The 51 motorbikes were distributed among 14 Departments of Agriculture, including all 11 districts of the Upper West Region, as well as Sawla Tuna Kalba and North Gonja in the Savannah Region, and Mamprugu Moagduri in the North East Region. The 15 tricycles were presented to farmer-based organizations recognized during the 40th Farmers’ Day celebration.

At a ceremony held in Wa on July 3, 2025, the EU Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Irchard Razaaly, reaffirmed the EU’s strong commitment to Ghana’s agricultural transformation. He noted that agriculture remains a key focus of EU support, with nearly €200 million in grants committed to the sector through the EU-GAP initiative.

"Agriculture is central to Ghana’s economic transformation, rural upliftment, and trade. That’s why we are supporting two key actors today—the policymakers and extension agents, and most importantly, the farmers,” he said.

He emphasized that the motorbikes would enable Agriculture Extension Agents (AEAs) to reach remote communities, while the tricycles would support farmers in transporting produce efficiently, reducing post-harvest losses.

The Upper West Regional Director of Agriculture, Mr. Abu Hudu, expressed appreciation for the intervention, noting its timeliness and value.

“These tricycles will ease the burden of transporting farm produce, while the motorbikes will enable our frontline staff to deliver timely extension services to more farmers,” he stated.

He added that the new motorbikes would complement existing but ageing equipment provided under previous programs.

The Upper West Regional Minister, Lawyer Charles Lwanga Puozuing, highlighted the broader impact of EU-GAP’s continued support.

“This intervention will improve farmers’ mobility, particularly for women, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase household food security,” he said. He reaffirmed the Regional Coordinating Council’s commitment to sustaining the program's gains.

Representing the beneficiaries, Yahaya Mubarakata, an Agricultural Extension Agent from Lambussie, shared how limited transportation had previously hindered their work.

“Before this, two AEAs had to share one motorbike, making it hard to reach distant communities. With these new motorbikes, we can now serve more farmers in hard-to-reach areas,” She said, extending gratitude to the EU-GAP team on behalf of her colleagues.

The support is expected to significantly enhance agricultural productivity and service delivery in the northern regions, ultimately contributing to food security and improved livelihoods.