UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By – Sadat Dabo
Media practitioners in Northern Ghana have been urged to intensify public education and investigative reporting on the growing threat posed by Striga, a parasitic weed capable of severely reducing cereal crop yields and worsening the challenges confronting farmers
The call was made by Titus O. Alzumah, Vice chairman of FONAR and Chairperson of a sensitization forum for media practitioners on Striga Control in Northern Ghana, held in Zuarungu in the Upper East Region
Opening the Aday’s forum, on Thursday September 17, 2026 in Boogatanga East District of the Upper East Region, Mr. Alzumah described Striga, commonly known as witchweed or the “violet vampire,” as an often-overlooked agricultural problem that has been affecting cereal farmers across Northern Ghana for years
He said although the weed may appear small and relatively harmless, its impact on farmers and food production could be significant, making it an issue that deserves greater public and media attention
The forum brought together the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), the Forum for Natural Regeneration (FONAR), the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Upper East Region Chapter, farmer representatives, journalists and editors
According to the Chairperson, the three key partners each have an important role to play in addressing the problem
He noted that MoFA brings scientific knowledge and agricultural extension experience, while FONAR contributes expertise in land restoration, soil health and Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR)
The GJA, he added, provides the platform through which technical knowledge can be transformed into public awareness and action
The sensitization programme featured technical presentations on the biology and agronomy of Striga, land restoration and natural regeneration approaches, as well as a panel discussion involving representatives of the partner institutions and a farmer
Participants also visited a nearby farm to gain first-hand knowledge of the effects of Striga and the realities faced by affected farmers
Mr. Alzumah stressed that there is no single, dramatic solution to the Striga problem, emphasizing the need for healthier soils, sound agronomic practices, disciplined farm management and sustained interventions over several farming seasons
At the close of the forum, he challenged journalists and editors not to allow the information and media materials provided during the programme to remain unused
He urged the media to use the knowledge, fact sheets and contacts obtained to bring greater attention to the experiences of farmers battling Striga.
“Somewhere in your listeners or readership area, a farmer is fighting this same battle right now, quietly,” he said, urging journalists to help make the issue visible through responsible and accurate reporting
Mr. Alzumah further assured journalists that FONAR and MoFA would remain available as sources of credible information for future stories concerning Striga, land restoration, soil health and food security in Northern Ghana
He formally declared the sensitization forum closed, expressing appreciation to the participating institutions, farmer representatives and media practitioners for their active engagement
Source – gbcuraonline.com
