By Michael Foli Jackidy
Weta (V/R), Feb. 25, GNA – Mr Eric Opoku, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, has pledged immediate emergency support for farmers and the rehabilitation of the Weta Irrigation Scheme to revive agricultural activities in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region.
This commitment was made during a discussion with the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu North, Mr. Eric Edem Agbana, who highlighted the dire state of the irrigation system and its impact on local farmers.
The initiative is expected to restore over 1,200 family rice farmlands and secure more than 10,000 indirect jobs, providing a significant boost to agricultural productivity in the region.
Announcing this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr. Agbana expressed concern over the poor condition of the Weta Irrigation Scheme, which has placed nearly 1,000 hectares of arable land at risk.
To provide immediate relief, the Minister has directed urgent measures be taken to assist affected farmers in reclaiming their farmlands before the next planting season begins in the coming weeks. This swift intervention aims to prevent further losses and ensure food security in the area.
Additionally, the Minister assured that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, in collaboration with development partners, will oversee the full rehabilitation of the Weta Irrigation Scheme to guarantee its long-term sustainability and efficiency.
Expressing optimism about the intervention, Mr Agbana stated: “I am greatly encouraged by the Minister’s strong sense of urgency and commitment. This gives me confidence that we are on the path to a significant turnaround for agriculture in our constituency and across Ghana.”
He also reassured the 1,200 affected farming families that he remained fully committed to resolving the crisis, emphasizing that farmers were the backbone of the community and their success benefits everyone.
“As I promised during my election campaign, I will ensure transparent and open governance, keeping you informed every step of the way. We are in this together, my dear farmers,” he assured.
Meanwhile, on Monday, February 24, 2025, a team of engineers from the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) arrived in the constituency to assess the challenges on the
ground and recommend the necessary interventions for the rehabilitation of the irrigation scheme.
The restoration of the Weta Irrigation Scheme is expected to significantly enhance agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods, and strengthen food security in the Ketu North Municipality and beyond.
GNA