The Upper East Regional Directorate of Food and Agriculture in collaboration with UE/URA Radio of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) in Bolgatanga has organised a food bazaar as part of this year’sWorld Food Day.
The occasion which was held on Saturdayat the premises of the GBC attracted major stakeholders, and was also used to showcase the locally-prepared dishes in the north.
The 2021 edition of the day, on the theme, “Our actions are our future-better production, better nutrition, a better environment and better life”, displayed a number of locally made dishes including TZ and soup, Tobaani, Frafra potatoes, dishes made from local rice, Orange Sweet Potatoe dishes and drinks, bambara beans and pudding made from beans.
The Regional Director of GBC,Mr Ebenezer Onumah, used the occasion to educate the participants on the significant role URA radio played in the 1980s to promote agricultural development and food security in the region.
He said the FM station would continue to disseminate agricultural related information to farmers.
The Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Rex Asanga, reiterated the significance of the day and noted that it was important to reflect on food security, hunger and food safety.
He called for a review of food production that would consider innovations to enable the region to produce food all year round, as the area was running out of options considering the shrinking farm land sizes.
The MCE noted that the government was keen on turning around the fortunes of the country by eliminating food imports and ensuring food security with the implementation of agriculture subsidies, and noted that the One district One factory initiative for processing of surplus food in the region was important.
He expressed appreciation to MOFA in the region for the innovations and measures being implemented to keep the region food secured, and also improve vegetable production.
Mr Asanga advised MoFA to increase education and training of pesticide usage to guarantee safety of food, and urged all stakeholders to take agriculture seriously.
The World Food Day is celebrated every October, 16 in remembrance of the formation of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations founded in 1945 with a focus to tackle and eradicate global hunger. It is celebrated in more than 160 countries in the world.
FROM SAMUEL AKAPULE, BOLGATANGA
