The Ghanaian Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opok, and a team of agricultural experts have visited Kebbi State to study Nigeria’s achievements in rice production.
The Minister, who also serves as a Member of Parliament, is leading a tour of the WACOT Rice Mill in Argungu and other key rice-producing areas in the state.
During a courtesy call on the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, Opoku explained that the newly inaugurated Ghanaian administration, in office for just four months, had inherited several challenges in food production, including a substantial rice import bill.
He noted that Ghana is blessed with fertile land and abundant water resources, and that President John Mahama is strongly committed to attaining food self-sufficiency.
Opoku commended Kebbi State’s notable success in rice cultivation, particularly the operations of the WACOT Rice Mill, and emphasised that the visit was intended to gain insights from Nigeria’s experience.
“Ghana and Nigeria share common values and enjoy multi-faceted relations. Ghana looks to Nigeria for guidance,” he said.
In response, Senator Tafida welcomed the Ghanaian delegation and spoke of the long-standing fraternal bond between both nations.
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He stated that Kebbi State is keen to explore avenues of collaboration with Ghana, particularly in agricultural production, and highlighted the state’s wealth in solid mineral resources such as gold and lithium.
The Deputy Governor also outlined Kebbi’s agricultural successes, including the provision of free fertilisers, water pumps, agrochemicals, and improved seeds to farmers to boost productivity.
He further expressed the government’s interest in expanding cooperation with Ghana in areas such as capacity building, cultural exchange, and tourism, to deepen shared cultural heritage.
The visit highlights the potential for strengthened collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana in agriculture and other mutually beneficial sectors.
