On March 4, James Bever, Mission Director for USAID/Ghana, visited Tamale to launch two Feed the Future projects: the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) and the Ghana Seed Inspection Unit.
In Tolon/Kumbungu District, Mr. Bever signed an agreement granting $5.5 million in Feed the Future funding to SARI. The funding aims to enhance SARI's capacity to advance agriculture in Northern Ghana. USAID will provide training and rehabilitate infrastructure at SARI, positioning it as a center of excellence in agricultural research.
SARI has contributed significantly to developing crop varieties suited for Northern regions of Ghana. U.S. government support will strengthen SARI’s role in applied agricultural research by improving systems performance and supporting national and international research programs.
Mr. Bever stated that "research is the cornerstone of innovation and agricultural growth," which will "drive food security and prosperity in Africa for years to come."
Later, Mr. Bever participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new laboratory under the Ghana Seed Inspection Unit in Tamale. This facility is part of several funded by USAID to ensure farmers have access to high-quality seeds through modernized testing processes.
Mr. Bever described this event as a celebration of "the continued strong relationship between USAID and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture," noting that new infrastructure would be transformative for Northern Ghana's farmers.
Leaders also toured existing seed laboratory facilities, discussing strategies for sustainability within Ghana’s seed industry. The project involves collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Feed the Future Ghana Agriculture Technology Transfer Project, aiming to improve seed quality delivery across northern Ghana.
USAID has been working since 1957 towards ending extreme poverty globally while fostering resilient societies. In partnership with various ministries in Ghana, USAID continues efforts toward sustained food security and poverty reduction among farmers.