A major agricultural transformation is taking shape along Ghana’s Volta corridor — but its success, the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) says, hinges on one critical factor: land.
On a high-powered inspection tour of the White and Black Volta basins led by the Board Chairman of MiDA, Dr Charles Abugre; the MiDA Chief Executive Mr. Alexander Kofi-Mensah Mould directly appealed to traditional leaders to release lands to drive President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-Hour Plus Programme through the creation of large-scale Agro-Ecological Parks (AEPs).
“The success of the 24-hour agricultural programme depends heavily on land availability,” Mr. Mould stressed during a courtesy call on the Worawora Traditional Council. “We are counting on you to help unlock the agricultural potential of this area.”
Worawora commits land for large scale farming
In a strong show of support, Daasebre Sarfro Baah III, Chief of Worawora, announced that thousands of acres have already been set aside for the commercial cultivation of ginger, chilli pepper and rice for export.
“The people of Worawora are ready,” the chief declared, urging government to back the initiative with irrigation and farm inputs to scale production.
The proposed Agro-Ecological Parks are expected to operate as integrated 24-hour agro-industrial zones — combining farming, processing, storage, logistics and export to boost jobs and foreign exchange earnings.
Water wasted, dams questioned
However, the tour exposed serious infrastructure bottlenecks that could undermine the vision.
Despite proximity to Lake Volta, many communities lack irrigation, relying solely on rainfall for farming.
“Water is flowing beside these communities, yet farmers depend on rain,” the MiDA boss observed.
In parts of the Northern Region, incomplete facilities under the One Village One Dam initiative drew sharp criticism.
“What we saw in some cases are dugouts masquerading as dams,” Mr. Mould stated bluntly.
Export ambitions
Kubungu has meanwhile been identified as a potential cold chain logistics hub linked to Tamale Airport to support fruit, vegetable and nuts exports.
MiDA is expected to submit a comprehensive technical report in the coming months to guide investment and inter-agency coordination.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com