The gesture was in line with the project’s arrangement to transfer the project vehicle to CSIR –SARI after its implementation. The Cowpea Upscaling project was implemented by CSIR-SARI in partnership with IITA from 2015 to 2017.

It was to ensure improved seed planning and connect actors along the cowpea seed value chain, strengthen capacity of cowpea seed value chain actors, and encourage the use of certified and quality declared seed by cowpea farmers to ensure increased cowpea production in the country.

Mrs Afua Ohene-Ampofo, Station Administrator of IITA Ghana, who handed over the keys to the vehicle to officials of CSIR-SARI in Tamale on Thursday, commended CSIR-SARI for successful implementation of the project.

Dr Roger Kanton, Deputy Director of CSIR-SARI, who received the keys to the vehicle, expressed gratitude to IITA for the gesture, saying the project had achieved a lot, adding the vehicle would help to sustain and enhance the gains made under the project.

Dr Kanton said mobility was vital for research work, saying the vehicle would enable CSIR-SARI to monitor activities undertaken under the project.  He was hopeful that there would be more collaboration between both institutions to further enhance their capacity.