The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr. Eric Opoku, has paid a working visit to the Kpong Irrigation Scheme renovation project, which spans over 4,000 hectares of farmland and serves about 2,500 smallholder farmers and 25 commercial farmers.

The project, which has the potential to create 7,020 direct jobs and support the livelihoods of about 21,672 indirect households, is currently stalled due to financial constraints.

During the visit, the Minister assured contractors on site that outstanding payments would be processed expeditiously through the Ministry of Finance to enable work to resume without further delay.

Mr Opoku also engaged with members of the Kpong Irrigation Scheme Farmers Association, addressing their concerns and demands. He directed the National Food Buffer Stock Company to immediately engage with the farmers to ensure that excess rice produced under the scheme is procured to prevent post-harvest losses.

In addition, the Minister pledged to provide excavators as soon as possible to support land preparation activities and the desilting of choked canals within the scheme. He further promised that access roads leading to the irrigation fields would be included in the construction to improve movement and transportation.

To strengthen service delivery to farmers, Hon. Opoku announced the allocation of a Farmer Service Centre to the area to cater for farmers’ needs, including access to inputs and extension services.

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to revitalising irrigation schemes across the country as part of efforts to boost food production, create jobs, and enhance food security.