The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has cut the sod for the construction of a GH¢4.1 million inland valley irrigation project at Aninkroma in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region.
The project, which would be completed in 16 months, is being implemented under the Food System Resilience Project (FSRP) by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), in collaboration with the Atwima Nwabiagya North District Assembly and is targeted at boosting agricultural production, strengthening food security and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers.
Upon completion, the project is expected to also improve farmers' access to suitable agricultural land, increase crop production and create employment opportunities in Aninkroma and surrounding communities.
The investment forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Ghana's agricultural sector through infrastructure development, improved water management and expanded farming opportunities.
Mr Opoku, who is also the Member of Parliament for Asunafo South, was assisted by his Deputy, John Dumelo, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Mba Zechariah Alenbilla and Nana Gyedu Kumanin IV, Amakyebarehene. Also present were officials from the Ashanti Regional Department of Agriculture, FSRP coordinators, project consultants, contractors, assembly members, farmers and residents from Aninkroma and surrounding communities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Opoku emphasised the importance of investing in agricultural infrastructure to enhance productivity, improve farmers' incomes and contribute to the country's food security agenda.
500 acres secured
He said approximately 500 acres of land had been secured for the project, which was expected to provide a reliable, year-round water supply for farmers in the project area and beyond.
The project is expected to support irrigation, promote all-season farming and improve agricultural productivity, particularly rice cultivation and other farming activities that depend on reliable water resources.
Mr Opoku said the project would include the construction of bunds to support rice farmers in the catchment area by improving water management and creating favourable conditions for cultivation.
He said the Ashanti Region remained a major centre of agricultural production and value-chain activities in the country, adding that the government was committed to supporting the sector's development.
He noted that farming remained a major occupation in many of the region's 43 districts, making investments in agricultural infrastructure essential to improving livelihoods and promoting economic growth.
The minister called on the youth, particularly young men and women, to consider farming as a viable economic venture, citing its potential to generate income and create employment opportunities.
He reaffirmed the assembly's commitment to supporting initiatives that would promote economic development, improve agricultural production and enhance the livelihoods of residents.
The Amakyebarehene, Nana Gyedu Kumanin IV, who chaired the ceremony, commended the government and the Minister for Food and Agriculture for the initiative.
