The Weta Rice Farmers Association of Ghana in the Ketu North District of the Volta Region, has officially launched with a bold mission to transform rice farming in the area.
Comprised of passionate and dedicated rice farmers, the Association aims to foster unity among its members while advocating for the revival of the long-abandoned irrigation project crucial to their farming success.
Known for its vast rice fields, the Weta enclave and surrounding communities produce an impressive 142,450 metric tons of milled rice annually, significantly contributing to Ghana’s food supply.
The region’s rice farmers also utilize an estimated 23,672 bags of fertilizer each year, translating to approximately 9.5 million Ghana cedis, underscoring the economic importance of rice farming in the area.
Despite these achievements, the farmers believe the restoration of the decades-old, unused irrigation project will unlock even greater potential for productivity.
Speaking at the event, the association’s patron, Sampson Klutse Gamanya, made an urgent call for government intervention, urging authorities to revitalize the project and provide essential support to farmers.
“The Rice Farmers Association has positioned itself to address market access, which is critical to mitigating post-harvest losses. We are appealing to the government, corporate bodies, and civil society organizations to help establish a rice market here,” Gamanya stated. He also emphasized the pressing need for agricultural machinery such as tractors, rice mills, dryers, combined harvesters, and starch processing plants to support local farmers.
Addressing the gathering, the President of the Africa Development Council, Ing. Dr. Bright Atsu Sogbe, called on the government to partner with farmers, focusing on adding value to rice production and addressing post-harvest challenges.
He stressed that a collaborative effort between farmers and the government would significantly enhance the industry’s sustainability.
Edem Agbana, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary candidate for Ketu North, praised the farmers’ initiative and urged them to remain united in their efforts.
He assured them that if the NDC assumes power, they would prioritize revamping the abandoned irrigation project to support rice farming in the area.
The event’s special guest, Farmer Anthony Kofitu Morrison, CEO of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana, highlighted the importance of a robust agricultural setup that supports Ghana’s farmers.
He emphasized that the country’s vision for agricultural industrialization would be incomplete without systems in place to provide technical support to farmers, ensuring they remain competitive.
Morrison also recommended increased investment in Ohawu Agriculture College, positioning it as a leading institution for practical agricultural training and research, particularly in developing superior rice seeds.
The official launch of the Weta Rice Farmers Association of Ghana represents a crucial step toward enhancing rice farming in the Ketu North District. With a collective vision and strong advocacy for better infrastructure and market access, the Association is laying the groundwork for a more prosperous future for rice farmers in the region.
Through collaboration with the government and private partners, they hope to significantly improve their productivity and livelihoods.
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