Edem Agbana calls for investment in rice production in Ketu North as rehabilitation of Weta Irrigation Scheme commences

The Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Hon. Eric Edem Agbana, has called on individuals and organizations interested in rice farming to invest in his constituency, as rehabilitation works are set to begin at the Weta Irrigation Scheme.

The Weta Irrigation Scheme, the second-largest under the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) and the largest in the Volta Region, is renowned for producing some of Ghana’s highest-quality rice. In 2022, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recognized it as a key contributor to the country’s rice sector. It is also regarded as Ghana’s most profitable rice scheme, directly supporting 1,200 families and indirectly benefiting over 10,000 dependents across 23 communities.

Despite its significance in food security, rural employment, and import substitution, the scheme has suffered severe neglect, placing nearly 1,000 hectares of arable land at risk. This threatens both the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and Ghana’s efforts to reduce rice imports by increasing local production.

Determined to address these challenges, Hon. Agbana has engaged key stakeholders, including the Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, and the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, to push for immediate intervention.

Following a successful discussion with the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Agbana announced that engineers from GIDA will arrive in Ketu North on Monday, February 24, 2025, to assess the state of the scheme and determine the necessary interventions.

He assured farmers that the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with its partners, will oversee the full rehabilitation of the Weta Irrigation Scheme to ensure its long-term sustainability. In the short term, urgent measures will be implemented to help affected farmers reclaim their lands before the next planting season, as directed by the Agriculture Minister.

Hon. Agbana expressed optimism about the swift response, stating, “This gives me confidence that we are on the path to a significant turnaround for agriculture in our constituency and across Ghana.”

Emphasizing the critical role of the Weta Irrigation Scheme in the local and national agricultural economy, the MP stressed that its revival is essential for food security, economic growth, and job creation in the region.

Earlier in the week, he also held discussions with the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, to address key challenges in the region, particularly those affecting Ketu North. “We made significant progress, particularly on the Weta Irrigation Scheme and strategies to create sustainable job opportunities for our youth,” he noted.

According to him, by the last week of February 2025, machinery will be deployed to the affected farms in Weta to assist in desilting the drainage systems.

Hon. Agbana reassured his constituents of his unwavering commitment to resolving the crisis, stating, “To the over 1,200 families affected by this crisis, I want you to know that I will not rest until this issue is fully resolved. Our farmers are the backbone of our community, and their success is our collective success.

"As I promised during the 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. If you want to invest in rice production, consider Ketu North.”

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