Govt expands areas under public irrigation scheme from 11,000 to 19,000 hectares

The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong, has reiterated the government’s commitment to expand irrigation infrastructure and access to sustainable water systems, particularly in regions prone to drought. 

Speaking at the 40th National Farmers Day Awards in Accra last Friday, Dr Acheampong described the initiative as a critical factor in building resilience to climate change and making all-year-round production possible.

It was for this reason, he said, the ministry over the last eight years had expanded the area under public irrigation schemes from 11,000 hectares (Ha) in 2016 to 19,000 hectares in 2024.

“It is important to state that between 2023 and 2024 alone, about 7,000 hectares have been added. Farmer-led private commercial schemes also increased from 189,000 hectares to 207,000 hectares between 2016 and 2023,” he said. 

Projects

Dr Acheampong  noted that there were several ongoing interventions that would bring an additional 6,250 ha under irrigation upon completion.

These, he said, included the Afram Plains Economic Enclave Irrigation project, the rehabilitation of the Vea Right Bank, the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Kpong Irrigation Scheme phase under MoFA/FSRP phase 2; the construction of the Tamne Irrigation Project; the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Tanoso Irrigation Scheme, and the construction and installation of 150 boreholes for solar pump irrigation systems and others. 

Food production

Dr Acheampong further stated that despite the existential challenges presented by climate change, the agricultural sector had seen growth from 2.6 per cent in 2016 to an average of 5.7 per cent between 2017 and 2023.

He attributed the positive change to strategic investments and programmes implemented by the government in the sector with the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) as the main vehicle which also improved farmers’ access to certified seeds, fertilisers and mechanisation services.

“This resulted in increased crop productivity and production of targeted crops.

Yields of maize, rice and soya beans, for example, increased by 135 per cent, 67 per cent and 18 per cent respectively, while production of cereals, legumes and roots and tubers increased by 106 per cent, 68 per cent and 59 per cent respectively from 2016 to 2023.

The country also achieved food self-sufficiency in major food staples, such as maize (122 per cent),  soya bean (106 per cent) cassava (107 per cent), plantain (133 per cent) and yam (110 per cent),” he explained.

To continue the trend, Dr Acheampong  emphasised that the government was making the sector both climate-resilient and sustainable through the promotion of climate-smart agriculture, strengthening of agricultural extension services, building partnerships, improving farmer access to finance and inputs, and the drafting of a Long-Term Climate Resilient Agricultural Development Strategy for Ghana (2025 - 2050).

“While we have made significant progress, there is still much to be done. Climate change is a long-term challenge, and we must remain vigilant, adaptable and committed to continuous improvement.

To our cherished farmers, I assure you of the ministry's continuous commitment to support you with the necessary tools, knowledge and resources to enable you to thrive in these challenging times,” he added. 

Aquaculture

The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson, noted that the sector continued to play a significant role in the socio-economic development of the country. 

“It is estimated that more than three million people are employed along the value chain of the sector. Fish production for 2023 was more than 684,000 metric tonnes and the per capita consumption was 20 kilogramme.

The country earned over $425 million from the export of fish and fishery products in 2023,”

She, however, lamented how the effects of climate change on the coast and fish farms in addition to overfishing and habitat degradation threatened the health of water bodies and ecosystems, making them more vulnerable.

Ms Koomson, therefore, indicated that the new Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, when passed by Parliament would provide for the regulation of aquaculture practice and support aquaculture operators with the needed input to make the industry stronger and more resilient, ensuring that it can continue to meet demand and contribute to national food security.