President John Dramani Mahama has announced a large-scale irrigation project targeting over 100,000 hectares of farmland in Nasia, Dungu, and Bohulu, as part of the Northern Savannah Economic Transformation Programme (NSETP). The initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity and create thousands of sustainable jobs for young people in the Northern Region.
Speaking at the Jubilee House on Friday, June 13, during a courtesy call by the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari II, President Mahama said the project will revitalise the region’s agro-industrial potential and drive rural economic growth.
“Under the Northern Savannah Economic Transformation Programme, over 100,000 hectares of irrigated lands are to be developed in the Nasia, Dungu, and Bohulu programme areas. This project is expected to create jobs for over 8,000 young farmers and boost the production of rice, maize, and soya beans,” he said.
He added that the programme is part of a broader strategy to transform the Northern Region into a major agro-industrial hub. Strategic towns including Yendi, Savelugu, and Salaga have been earmarked for agro-processing facilities to support the value chain.
President Mahama also highlighted plans to enhance shea and cashew production through expanded processing infrastructure and stronger market linkages.
“We will invest to strengthen the shea and cashew value chains, with expanded processing centres in Tamale and market linkages in Torlon and Sabzirigu. This will benefit thousands of rural women and provide sustainable livelihoods rooted in our traditional rural system,” he noted.
The Overlord’s visit formed part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between traditional authorities and the government in advancing local development and national cohesion.