UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By – Sadat Dabo
The Upper East Regional Director of Agriculture, Alhaji Zakaria Fuseini, has called on media practitioners to intensify public education on the dangers of Striga, a parasitic weed that continues to threaten agricultural productivity across Northern Ghana
According to him, Striga remains a recurring challenge confronting farmers in the region, with reports from agricultural extension officers consistently highlighting its impact on farms during every planting season
Speaking at a sensitisation forum for media practitioners on Striga control in Northern Ghana, held at the Blue Sky Hotel in Zuarungu on Thursday, September 17, 2026, Thomas Akolgo Akum a representative of the regional director in reading the director’s address said, farmers understand the problem very well because they experience its effects every farming season, but often lack adequate information on its causes, prevention and control
He said the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, through its Directorate of Agricultural Extension Services, has over the years supported farmers with improved seed varieties, agronomic advice and extension services to help manage Striga
However, he acknowledged that government interventions often reach farmers gradually, making the media an important partner in expanding public awareness
“What they do not always have is a clear public understanding of why it happens, what can be done about it, and where to turn for help,” he said
The Regional Director urged journalists to go beyond simply reporting technical presentations and ask critical questions about the practical challenges farmers face, including the affordability of certified seeds and why some Striga control interventions require several farming seasons before producing visible results
He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government’s agronomic interventions and land restoration initiatives being championed by the Forum for Natural Regeneration (FONAR)
Alhaji Fuseini explained that healthy soils and sound crop management are complementary approaches to controlling Striga, rather than competing solutions
He further encouraged journalists to engage directly with farmers and assess whether recommended interventions are working in real farming communities
The forum was organised by FONAR in collaboration with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Upper East Region, to equip media practitioners with technical knowledge to improve public reporting and education on Striga management.
The Director expressed appreciation to FONAR, the GJA and participating journalists, describing the media as a critical partner in helping farmers address the persistent threat posed by the parasitic weed
Source – gbcuraonline.com
