A delegation of chiefs, rice farmers and concerned youth from Weta in the Ketu North Constituency has petitioned the Ministry of Food and Agriculture over the deteriorating state of the Weta Irrigation Scheme, demanding its urgent rehabilitation and compensation for affected farmers.
The delegation, led by traditional authorities and the area’s Member of Parliament, called for decisive government intervention to restore the facility, which they say has suffered years of neglect and operational challenges.
The petition was received on behalf of the Minister by the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, who assured the delegation of the government’s commitment to rehabilitating the scheme and supporting farmers to revive the agricultural project.
The farmers are demanding urgent rehabilitation of the facility to reclaim farmlands severely affected by the scheme’s challenges.
More than 1,200 families are said to have been affected, prompting calls for appropriate compensation to help restore their livelihoods.
The delegation also called for a thorough investigation into the utilisation of World Bank funds released for the redevelopment of the irrigation facility, raising concerns about accountability for resources committed to the project.
The Weta Irrigation Scheme is considered an important agricultural asset with the potential to boost rice production, create jobs and strengthen Ghana’s food security.
However, its continued deterioration has reportedly imposed significant economic hardship on farmers and their families, undermining livelihoods dependent on rice cultivation.
The delegation is therefore demanding a clear rehabilitation plan, accountability for funds allocated to the project and a credible commitment to restoring the livelihoods of affected farming communities.
The Member of Parliament assured the delegation of continued engagement with the relevant authorities to ensure that their concerns receive the necessary attention and translate into concrete action.
The petition adds to calls for urgent intervention to revive the Weta Irrigation Scheme and restore its role in supporting agricultural production and economic activity in the Ketu North area.
