The proposed Agro-Ecological Parks are expected to operate as integrated 24-hour industrial zones
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.
During a high-powered inspection tour of the White and Black Volta basins, led by the Board Chairman of MiDA, Dr Charles Abugre, the Chief Executive of MiDA, Alexander Kofi-Mensah Mould, directly appealed to traditional leaders to release land to support 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,” 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.”
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 the government to support the initiative with irrigation infrastructure and farm inputs to scale up 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 job creation and increase foreign exchange earnings.
However, the tour exposed serious infrastructure bottlenecks that could undermine the vision.
Despite their proximity to Lake Volta, many communities lack irrigation systems and rely 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 also drew sharp criticism.
“What we saw in some cases were dugouts masquerading as dams,” Mr Mould stated bluntly.
Kubungu has meanwhile been identified as a potential cold-chain logistics hub, linked to Tamale Airport, to support fruit, vegetable, and nut exports.
MiDA is expected to submit a comprehensive technical report in the coming months to guide investment decisions and strengthen inter-agency coordination.
AM
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Source:
www.ghanaweb.com
