Upper East seeks Korean partnership to introduce drone technology in agriculture

The Upper East Regional Coordinating Council is seeking partnerships with South Korean companies to introduce drone technology, satellite applications and precision agriculture to improve farming and agricultural productivity in the region.

The proposal includes deploying drones and satellite data to help farmers detect crop threats early, monitor fields and improve the application of fertilisers and agrochemicals.

Anatu Bogobiri, who represented the Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga, at the Ghana-Korea Business Forum 2026 in Accra on Thursday, November 5, said the region was ready to collaborate with Korean technology firms to address challenges confronting its agricultural sector.

“The Upper East Region is not only open to Korean partnership, it is ready for a Korean partnership!” she declared.

She said farmers in the region continued to face threats from drought, flooding and fall armyworm, often without adequate early-warning systems to respond.

“Drones and satellite data from you, can give early warning, map fields, guide fertiliser and chemical spraying, helping the farmers,” she said.

The regional administration wants the proposed initiative to begin at the Tono, Vea and Tamne irrigation schemes, where dry-season farming offers opportunities to demonstrate the benefits of the technology.

Beyond agriculture, the region is seeking Korean expertise in geospatial mapping to help District Assemblies improve land-use planning, map settlements and properties, and strengthen internally generated revenue.

The technology could also support the monitoring of water resources and land restoration following mining activities.

Mad. Bogobiri said the region was also interested in Korean expertise in water treatment, small-scale purification and efficient irrigation to address water challenges in its savannah communities.

The proposed collaboration builds on discussions between the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council and A-Tech Group Korea over the past year.

According to the speech, the cooperation framework covers drone and satellite technology, skills training, academic exchange and the revival of agro-industrial assets. These discussions have been consolidated into a Memorandum of Understanding between the region and the Korean team, subject to approval by the relevant authorities.

Bolgatanga Technical University and the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Navrongo have been identified as academic partners.

Mad. Bogobiri said the region wanted Korean partners to support the establishment of a skills and training centre at Bolgatanga Technical University to train young people in drone operation, maintenance and geospatial analysis.

She also proposed a joint working group involving the Regional Coordinating Council, A-Tech Group and the universities to translate discussions at the forum into project agreements.

The Ghana-Korea Business Forum brought together Korean business representatives, technology partners and Ghanaian stakeholders to explore investment and cooperation opportunities.