Farmers at the Tono Irrigation Scheme have expressed optimism following the appointment of Charles Aboyella as the Acting Managing Director (MD) of the scheme.
This comes despite the ongoing legal challenge by the previous MD, Dr Benedict Bonaventure Alegibam, who has taken his dismissal to court.
According to the farmers, Mr Aboyella has introduced policies that significantly improve access to irrigation water, marking a departure from the stringent management practices of the previous administration.
The flexibility in water access has been particularly welcomed by the farming community, who have long struggled with rigid policies that hindered their agricultural activities.
Speaking to the media Richard Kwame Abokah, Chairman of the Federation of Tono Water Users Association, commended the acting MD for being receptive to farmers’ concerns and introducing more farmer-friendly policies.
“Even though we are not being disturbed like before, we are managing. This year, our farming activities have started early, unlike before. We have spoken to the Acting Manager to reason with us in that regard,” Mr Abokah stated.
Under the new management, farmers can now access irrigation water while making payments in installments, a stark contrast to the previous administration’s requirement for full upfront payments.
Many farmers had struggled under the old system, which often resulted in delays in planting or an inability to cultivate crops at all.
“Some of us are already nursing our crops while paying for the usage of the water. The previous manager would not allow this and preferred us to make full payments before accessing water. That was bad for us because, in the end, most of us would miss the planting season,” Mr Abokah explained.
Despite these positive changes, the farmers continue to face other challenges, including the early onset of harmattan in November 2024, which has adversely affected crop yields.
Farmers who cultivate pepper are currently harvesting their produce and using the proceeds to settle outstanding payments for irrigation services.
Nevertheless, the farmers believe that with the continued support of the new management, their productivity will improve, leading to better yields and increased incomes for the farming community at the Tono Irrigation Scheme.
Source: A1 Radio Online | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga