Rethinking Irrigation in Ghana: Ahiabor’s Underground Water Solution for Year-Round Agriculture

The Volta Region, known for its fertile soils and hardworking farmers, is once again in the news; not for a bumper harvest but for a haunting return of drought. Earlier this year, the rains arrived early and gave farmers across the region renewed hope. Fields from Ho to Keta and beyond were a sea of green maize, as virtually every arable space was cultivated. It was a moment of pride and promise for many households that depend on farming for survival.

However, by the first week of July, the clouds stopped gathering. The once-promising maize plants, in various stages of growth, began to wither under the scorching sun. Farmers who had invested heavily in land preparation, seeds, labour, and fertilizer have been left watching their dreams perish. This is not the first time rainfall patterns have betrayed the farmer; it is becoming a dangerous cycle; one that requires an urgent and sustainable solution.

This phenomenon has evoked memories of the numerous efforts made by governments over the decades to cushion farmers against unpredictable rainfall. Since Ghana’s independence, the call for irrigation has always been on the national agenda. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, in his visionary leadership, constructed several dams across the country. Some of these dams, though over six decades old, remain structurally sound and still serve nearby communities today.

Following Nkrumah’s example, successive governments launched irrigation programs in various forms. Notably, the 2016 election campaign saw the New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by President Nana Akufo-Addo, pledge a bold policy—"One Village, One Dam"; to support dry season farming and improve food security. Sadly, that policy fell far short of expectations. What was supposed to be a game-changer in agriculture became a national disappointment. Instead of viable water-holding dams, most communities received shallow dugouts that evaporate before the dry season peaks. Many of these dugouts have become health hazards or lie abandoned, despite millions of cedis spent.

It is against this backdrop that we must turn our attention to a lesser-known, yet highly effective, irrigation initiative; one pioneered by Edward Kofi Ahiabor, a seasoned Agricultural Engineer and former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Keta. His revolutionary work along the coastline of the Volta Region, from Anyanui to Adafienu; has quietly transformed the lives of thousands of farmers, enabling them to cultivate and harvest crops all year round, regardless of seasonal rainfall.

Ahiabor’s Vision: Going Underground for Food Security

Unlike the traditional reliance on surface dams, Mr. Ahiabor’s irrigation model taps into underground water reserves. By developing an efficient borehole and piping system that draws water from beneath the earth, his model ensures that farms receive a constant supply of water; even during the harshest dry spells.

What sets this system apart is its sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Unlike open-air dams that are prone to evaporation, pollution, and siltation, underground water sources remain protected from the elements. They provide a more stable and reliable water source, particularly in areas where surface water is either insufficient or unavailable.

Additionally, the piping system reduces the risk of water contamination and allows for precision irrigation, delivering just the right amount of water to crops. This minimizes waste and improves efficiency; qualities that are essential in a climate-conscious era.

Farmers in the Anlo coastal belt, once constrained by short rainy seasons, now produce vegetables, maize, cassava, and even fruits like watermelon and tomatoes throughout the year. These farmers are no longer at the mercy of erratic rainfall; they have become suppliers of food to markets far beyond their communities, contributing to regional food security and economic growth.

Why the Nation Must Pay Attention
Ghana is facing increasing challenges related to climate change. Rainfall patterns have become erratic, the harmattan season longer, and dry spells more severe. Meanwhile, the country’s population continues to grow, and with it, the demand for food. Irrigation must therefore move from being a political soundbite to a national priority. And not just any irrigation; irrigation that works.

Edward Kofi Ahiabor’s underground water-based model offers Ghana a blueprint for the future. It is:

Scalable: The model can be adapted to suit different terrains across the country.

Affordable: With local engineering and proper oversight, implementation costs can be significantly reduced compared to massive dam projects.

Environmentally Friendly: Less land is destroyed, and ecosystems are preserved.

Farmer-Centered: It empowers smallholder farmers to take control of their production cycles.

The Way Forward
If Ghana is serious about attaining food self-sufficiency and building resilience against climate change, then the time has come to replicate Ahiabor’s model across the country. But this requires deliberate action from government agencies, donor partners, the private sector, and local assemblies.

Recommendations include:
1. National Audit of Failed Irrigation Projects: Especially those under the One Village, One Dam policy. Lessons must be learned.

2. Investment in Groundwater Mapping: To identify suitable locations for underground water extraction.

3. Support for Local Engineers and Technicians: Instead of foreign consultants, Ghanaian experts from the Anlo coastline should lead the irrigation design and implementation.

4. Incentives for Farmers to Adopt the System: Subsidized drilling and piping infrastructure can be a good start.

5. Inclusion in Agricultural Policies: The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) must recognize and institutionalize the underground water system as a core strategy.

Conclusion
Agriculture remains the backbone of Ghana’s economy. For it to thrive in the 21st century, it must be supported with reliable irrigation systems that go beyond shallow promises and political slogans. The current crisis in the Volta Region is a stark reminder that rain-fed agriculture is no longer enough.

Edward Kofi Ahiabor’s underground irrigation model is a tested and proven innovation that must not remain confined to the coastline of the Volta Region. It deserves national attention, support, and replication. Ghanaian farmers deserve better. Ghana deserves better. And with the right policies and leadership, we can ensure that our fields remain green and fruitful; not just when the skies agree, but all year round.

SAVIOUR GOKAH,
KPOTA,
ANYAKO, V/R

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