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The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has launched a nationwide rehabilitation of irrigation schemes, beginning with a groundbreaking ceremony in Ashaiman, aimed at revitalizing critical infrastructure to enhance food production and reduce reliance on imports.
Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, who led the launch, described the initiative as central to Ghana’s agricultural transformation strategy. “While we develop new infrastructure, rehabilitating what we already have is critical to delivering food security,” he said.
The project, which will soon expand to Aveyime, Weta, Via, and regions including Northern, Bono, and Ahafo, is part of a broader government plan to modernize irrigation and support smallholder farmers. It is being implemented with technical and financial support from Korean partners including KOPIA, KRC, and KIAT.
Among the key outcomes expected is the development of over 100 hectares of land for rice seed production, targeting 10,000 tons annually by 2027. A solar-powered irrigation system, currently under construction, is also expected to reduce energy costs significantly.
The Ashaiman irrigation facility, first built in 1968, will be fully upgraded. The Minister issued a warning to land encroachers and polluters, promising strict enforcement to protect the infrastructure. “This is a public investment—its integrity must be safeguarded,” he stated.
Hon. Opoku also unveiled measures to improve extension services, noting that a single officer currently serves more than 1,500 farmers. The Ministry is distributing 150 motorbikes this month and recruiting 5,000 agricultural graduates through the National Service Scheme to bridge the human resource gap.
To further mechanize farming, the government is establishing Farmer Service Centers in every agricultural district. These centers will offer shared access to equipment, improved seeds, and post-harvest facilities.
The Minister also announced a new fertilizer policy. Going forward, fertilizers will be distributed through registered cooperatives rather than individuals. Ashaiman will receive 3,000 bags under this new arrangement on Tuesday.
Calling for stronger farmer organization, Hon. Opoku encouraged the formation of commodity-based cooperatives to improve access to inputs, financing, and government support. “Structured agriculture is the path to agribusiness,” he said, citing a recent tomato supply partnership in Tema as a success story.
The ceremony brought together traditional leaders, farmers, development partners, and key stakeholders, all backing the government’s commitment to reshape Ghana’s agricultural future.
