The price of food on Ghanaian markets is closely tied to what happens on farms months before produce reaches consumers. But as rainfall becomes less predictable and extreme weather events destroy crops, the country’s ability to keep food supplies stable is facing a growing challenge.
Dr. Frank Ackah, Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast’s Department of Crop Science, says Ghana must move away from depending largely on rainfall for farming and accelerate investments in irrigation to protect food production from climate shocks.
Speaking to The High Street Journal in an interview on the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review, Dr. Ackah said irrigation infrastructure would be critical in ensuring farmers can continue producing beyond the traditional rainy seasons.
“Because of climate change, you can’t rely on the rain,” he said.
The comments come after government highlighted progress on several irrigation projects, including the Atonsu, Ekyeamanfrom and Konadu sites under the Afram Plains Economic Enclave Irrigation Project, which have reached between 80 and 92 percent completion.
Phase III of the Tamne Irrigation Project has also reached 75 percent completion, while rehabilitation works continue at the Vea, Ashaiman, Aveyime and Dawhenya irrigation schemes.
For Dr. Ackah, the need for irrigation has become more urgent as recent weather events expose the vulnerability of Ghana’s agriculture system.
“Recently the flood issue came and lots of farms were destroyed,” he said, adding that the destruction of large farms could create pressure on food supply.
He warned that without stronger systems to manage water availability, farmers could struggle to maintain production during periods of drought or excessive rainfall, risks that could eventually affect food prices and household budgets.
“When you have irrigation, then the farmers can actually grow more,” he said.
Ghana’s agriculture remains heavily dependent on smallholder farmers, many of whom rely on seasonal rainfall to determine when they plant and harvest. Dr. Ackah believes expanding irrigation will give farmers greater control over production cycles and improve the country’s ability to produce food throughout the year.
Beyond increasing output, he said irrigation investment should be viewed as a climate adaptation measure that protects farmers’ livelihoods while helping Ghana reduce future food insecurity.
