The Weta Rice Farmers Association, based in the Ketu North District of the Volta Region, has been officially launched with a mission to transform rice farming in the area. This newly formed association brings together dedicated rice farmers, united in their goal to improve productivity and advocate for the revival of a long-abandoned irrigation project that is crucial to their farming success.
Weta and its surrounding communities are known for their extensive rice production, yielding an impressive 142,450 metric tons of milled rice annually. This output plays a significant role in Ghana’s food supply. The region’s farmers also use around 23,672 bags of fertilizer each year, amounting to roughly 9.5 million Ghana cedis, highlighting the economic importance of rice farming in the area.
However, the farmers believe that revitalizing the decades-old, unused irrigation project would significantly boost their productivity. At the association’s launch, patron Sampson Klutse Gamanya called for government support to restore the project and provide essential assistance to farmers. He emphasized the need to address market access to reduce post-harvest losses and appealed to the government, corporate bodies, and civil society organizations to help establish a dedicated rice market in the area. Gamanya also stressed the necessity of agricultural machinery, including tractors, rice mills, dryers, combined harvesters, and starch processing plants, to better equip local farmers.
Speaking at the event, Ing. Dr. Bright Atsu Sogbe, President of the Africa Development Council, urged the government to collaborate with farmers to enhance rice production and tackle post-harvest challenges. He highlighted that a strong partnership between the government and farmers is crucial to ensuring the industry’s long-term sustainability.
National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary candidate for Ketu North, Edem Agbana, commended the farmers for their initiative and urged them to remain united in their efforts. He promised that the NDC, if elected to power, would prioritize the revival of the irrigation project to further support rice farming in the area.
The event’s special guest, Anthony Kofitu Morrison, CEO of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana, emphasized the importance of a well-supported agricultural system for Ghana’s farmers. He highlighted the need for practical technical support to keep farmers competitive and recommended increased investment in Ohawu Agriculture College, positioning it as a leading institution for agricultural research and the development of high-quality rice seeds.
The launch of the Weta Rice Farmers Association represents a critical step toward enhancing rice farming in the Ketu North District. Through strong advocacy for infrastructure improvements and better market access, the association is laying the foundation for a more prosperous future for rice farmers in the region. By working closely with the government and private partners, they aim to significantly improve both productivity and livelihoods for local farmers.
