The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding irrigation infrastructure and ensuring access to sustainable water systems, particularly in drought-prone regions.
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 enabling year-round production.
He stated that over the past eight years, the ministry 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 note that between 2023 and 2024 alone, about 7,000 hectares have been added. Farmer-led private commercial schemes have also increased from 189,000 hectares to 207,000 hectares between 2016 and 2023,” he said.
Projects
Dr. Acheampong highlighted several ongoing interventions that would bring an additional 6,250 hectares under irrigation upon completion. These include:
- The Afram Plains Economic Enclave Irrigation Project
- The rehabilitation of the Vea Right Bank
- The rehabilitation and modernisation of the Kpong Irrigation Scheme (MoFA/FSRP Phase 2)
- The construction of the Tamne Irrigation Project
- The rehabilitation and modernisation of the Tanoso Irrigation Scheme
- The construction and installation of 150 boreholes for solar pump irrigation systems, among others.
Food Production
Dr. Acheampong further stated that despite the challenges posed by climate change, the agricultural sector had experienced growth, with production increasing from 2.6% in 2016 to an average of 5.7% between 2017 and 2023.
He attributed this positive change to strategic investments and government programmes, particularly the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiative, which improved farmers’ access to certified seeds, fertilisers, and mechanisation services.
“This resulted in increased crop productivity and the production of targeted crops. Yields of maize, rice, and soya beans, for example, increased by 135%, 67%, and 18%, respectively, while production of cereals, legumes, and roots and tubers increased by 106%, 68%, and 59%, respectively, from 2016 to 2023.”
He added that the country had achieved food self-sufficiency in major food staples, such as maize (122%), soya beans (106%), cassava (107%), plantain (133%), and yam (110%).
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
To continue this growth, Dr. Acheampong emphasised that the government was making the agricultural sector both climate-resilient and sustainable. This includes promoting climate-smart agriculture, strengthening agricultural extension services, building partnerships, improving farmers’ access to finance and inputs, and drafting 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,” he said.
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, with a per capita consumption of 20 kilograms. The country earned over $425 million from the export of fish and fishery products in 2023,” she said.
She, however, lamented the impact of climate change on the coast and fish farms, as well as overfishing and habitat degradation, which threaten the health of water bodies and ecosystems, making them more vulnerable.
Ms. Koomson indicated that the new Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, when passed by Parliament, would regulate aquaculture practices and support operators with the necessary inputs to strengthen the industry, ensuring it can continue to meet demand and contribute to national food security.
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