From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
Ghana’s Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr. Eric Opoku, has visited Kebbi State to seek collaboration with the government on rice production.
Opoku disclosed that the huge rice import bill inherited by the current administration prompted the delegation to visit the State for the collaborative arrangement.
He noted that Ghana, like Nigeria, has fertile land and abundant waters that could support local production. According to him, President John Mahama mandated the delegate to visit Kebbi to understudy the rice mills and plantations to achieve food self-sufficiency.
The Minister stated this during his courtesy call on the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, in Birnin Kebbi, along with his team. He explained that the newly inaugurated Ghanaian administration, which assumed office four months ago, was seeking solution to food production challenges.
This concern, he said, informed the decision to lead a high-powered delegation of agricultural experts on a tour of the WACOT Rice Mill in Argungu and selected rice Fadama sites across the state.
He said: “We inherited a huge import bill because Ghana imports a large quantity of rice. However, we have fertile land and abundant water to support local production. That is why President John Mahama is committed to achieving food self-sufficiency.
“Ghana has been inspired by the success story of Kebbi State and WACOT Rice Mill in rice production, prompting the study visit.
“This is the main purpose of our mission—we are here to learn. Ghana and Nigeria share deep-rooted historical and cultural ties. We look up to Nigeria for mutual understanding and collaboration.”
Responding on behalf of the Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar, commended the delegation for the interest Ghana has in agricultural cooperation. “Kebbi State is open to partnerships with Ghana, especially in agriculture. In addition to agriculture, the state is blessed with solid mineral resources such as gold and lithium, ready for exploration,” Tafida said.