President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced new government initiatives to improve irrigation farming in the Upper East Region, which is facing severe drought conditions. During the inauguration of Phase 3 of the Upper East Regional Hospital rehabilitation project in Bolgatanga on August 15, 2024, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the challenges posed by the region’s arid climate, which has significantly impacted crop yields and the livelihoods of local farmers.
Acknowledging the urgent need for action, the President pledged that his administration is committed to addressing the issue. He revealed that in the coming weeks, the government will introduce a series of measures designed to enhance irrigation practices.
These initiatives aim to alleviate the effects of inconsistent rainfall, improve water management, and ensure more reliable agricultural production throughout the year. The President’s announcement was met with optimism from local farmers and stakeholders, who believe that these planned measures will play a crucial role in transforming agriculture in the region and improving the quality of life for its residents.
Mr. Edward Kareweh, the General Secretary of the General Agriculture Workers Union, earlier confirmed to The High Street Journal, reports of widespread droughts in the norther part of Ghana. He noted that with the drought striking at a time when most farms, particularly those growing maize, are nearing maturity, the implications for crop yields and food availability are dire. With food prices already high, the drought could worsen the existing high cost of living.
The drought has created significant challenges for farmers, particularly in terms of crop yield and the application of essential agricultural inputs like fertilizer. Some farmers are worried that they will not be able to pay back loans they took because of the poor yields.
As Mr. Kareweh explained, the current dryness of the soil makes it impossible to apply fertilizer effectively. “Fertilizer needs moisture to dissolve and be absorbed by crops, but the lack of rain means that any application could harm the crops rather than help them”, he said.
News about the drought gained attention on social media with some people sharing pictures of crops that had withered on the farms.
