Vea, Ghana — Farmers and officials in the Upper East Region are optimistic about the World Bank’s $125 million investment in the rehabilitation of the Vea Left Bank irrigation canals, a project expected to revolutionize agriculture across multiple communities.
The initiative, part of the West Africa Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP), seeks to promote year-round farming, improve food security, and reduce rural poverty through the modernization of key irrigation infrastructure.
A game-changer for Upper East farmers
Dominic Anarigide, Managing Director of the Irrigation Company of Upper Region (ICOUR), described the canal rehabilitation as a “game-changer” for farming communities such as Zaare, Nyariga, and Sumburungu, which depend heavily on the Vea Dam’s Left Bank canal system.
“This intervention will restore blocked canals, construct lateral irrigation systems, and introduce modern techniques to ensure a consistent water supply to farms,” Anarigide explained.
The World Bank funding will rehabilitate approximately 850 hectares of farmland. The scope includes main and lateral canal repairs, construction of farm linkage roads, and adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices.
Dr. Ashwini Sebastian, Agriculture Portfolio Manager at the World Bank for Ghana, said the project includes automation systems, California-style drip irrigation, and the construction of community-access bridges.
“Beyond infrastructure, we are also investing in improved seeds, farmer training, and sustainable practices to enhance resilience,” she noted.
Government and community support
Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Atanga commended the initiative, describing it as a critical step toward unlocking the region’s full agricultural potential.
“Initially, our region was excluded from dam rehabilitation plans, but strong advocacy brought us here,” Atanga said. He encouraged communities to protect project lands from encroachment and urged youth to embrace mechanized farming under the Feed Ghana policy.
Challenges with past efforts
While hopes are high for the Left Bank project, residents remain cautious due to previous delays in the rehabilitation of the Right Bank canal, which began four years ago under government funding but has yet to be completed due to financial constraints.
Farmers are hopeful that the World Bank’s involvement will ensure timely delivery and avoid a repeat of the earlier setbacks.
Parliamentary approval for the project is pending. If approved, construction is expected to commence by the end of the year, with completion projected within 12 to 18 months.
A new era for northern agriculture
Stakeholders believe this investment will mark a turning point for agriculture in the Upper East Region, strengthening resilience to climate shocks and opening up new opportunities for economic growth and food self-sufficiency.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Moses Apiah|Ghana
