Global Affairs Canada (GAC) together with Canadian Feed The Children (CFTC) were in Bolgatanga to engage one of its key partners in Ghana, TradeAID Integrated, a non-profit organization in the Upper East Region for a debriefing on agricultural innovation projects it rolled out for selected farmers dubbed “Sustainable Development, Human Rights, Inclusion and Equality” (SHINE).

Christopher Khng, Deputy Director of GAC, Candace Holt, Second Secretary (Development) Canadian Embassy in Ghana, Augustine N-Yokuni the Country Director CFTC and Grace Grace Biniyam the Programmes Manager engaged TradeAID Integrated; a recipient of funding from GAC through the Canadian Feed The Children (CFTC) for the past one year for a debriefing on the project on May 16, 2023.

During the visit, the Canadian donors with TradeAID Integrated staff and beneficiaries discussed the progress that has been made. They were impressed with the work TradeAID Integrated has done to help farmers improve their livelihoods.

The Bolgatanga-based NGO has over the years provided training on agricultural techniques, access to markets, and financial assistance to farmers, resulting in increased yields and incomes.

After the briefing, Christopher and Candace visited farms of beneficiaries of SHINE initiative. The tour on the farms was climaxed with an exhibition of vegetables from the farms. They were impressed with the quality of the vegetables and the enthusiasm of the farmers.

The Canadian team expressed admiration over efforts made by TradeAID in executing the project and committed to a continued support for the organization.

Beneficiaries on the other hand, were grateful for the visit they termed as an opportunity to share real-time experiences with their donors. They were also excited to continue working with GAC and CFTC to improve the lives of farmers in northern Ghana.

In attendance was Mr. Nicholas Apokerah, the Executive Director of TradeAID Integrated, Sebastian Alesane, Project Coordinator, Richmond Abakere, the Agriculture Technical Officer, Roberta Ayelgum Gender and Incubation Hub Manager, Elijah Ying-Urah, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and other staff of TradeAID Integrated.

The visit by GAC and CFTC was a positive experience for both parties as it charted a path for them to share successes, get feedback, and reaffirm the commitment to working together to improve the lives of farmers.