Political Scientist and the Head of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah Asante has highlighted the pressing issue of food insecurity in Northern Ghana, stressing the pivotal role that irrigation can play in addressing this challenge.
Dr. Asah Asante’s remarks come at a time when political campaigns are intensifying, with many promises made by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the vice president and Flag bearer of the NPP regarding agricultural development and food security.
Dr. Asah Asante began by drawing attention to the critical issue of food insecurity in the northern regions of Ghana, an area heavily reliant on agriculture for livelihood. Dr. Asah Asante noted that the primary cause of this insecurity is the overreliance on rainfall for farming, which makes agricultural productivity highly vulnerable to changes in weather patterns.
“…the whole northern farming community relies on rainfall for agricultural purposes and as soon as rain fails, you have a difficult [situation].”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist and the Head of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana
The lack of adequate irrigation facilities has made the region particularly susceptible to droughts and dry spells which can devastate crops and lead to severe food shortages. Dr. Asah Asante emphasized that addressing this issue should be a top priority for policymakers as it directly affects the well-being of millions of people in Northern Ghana.
The Promise of Irrigation and the Case of the Pwalugu Dam
Meanwhile, One of the key campaign promises made by Dr. Bawumia during the current election cycle is the expansion of irrigation infrastructure to improve agricultural productivity. Dr. Asah Asante acknowledged the significance of this promise, describing it as a “beautiful one” that could potentially transform the agricultural sector.
“He did say that he wants to improve irrigation, make it possible for people to have irrigation, and that will enhance [agriculture] production and all that.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist and the Head of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana
However, Dr. Asante also cautioned against empty promises, urging politicians to ensure that their campaign pledges are followed through with concrete action. Dr. Asah Asante emphasized that broken promises can have serious consequences for society, especially when it comes to critical issues like food security.
A specific example of unfulfilled promises in the realm of irrigation infrastructure is the Pwalugu Dam project. According to Dr. Asante, the dam which has been touted as a solution to the region’s water and agricultural challenges, has yet to be fully realized.
Dr. Asah Asante pointed out that if the Pwalugu Dam had been completed, the current food insecurity crisis in the north could have been averted.
“If Pwalugu dam had come on, am sure this problem would not be what we would be discussing today.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist and the Head of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana
The failure to deliver on the Pwalugu Dam project serves as a reminder of the importance of turning campaign promises into reality. Dr. Asah Asante urged political parties, particularly the ruling NPP, to ensure that they “walk the talk” and implement the policies they propose once they are in office. He specifically called on the NPP to prioritize the construction of the Pwalugu Dam, using public sector intervention to expedite the project.
“Now that they are also repromising the construction of Pwalugu Dam… they should make sure that they work the talk.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist and the Head of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana
Moreover, Dr. Asante reiterated the need for political accountability and responsible governance. Dr. Asah Asante called on all political parties to take their promises seriously and ensure that they deliver on them once in power. According to Dr. Asante, the consequences of broken promises are far-reaching and can lead to a loss of trust in political leadership.
“At the end of the day, when they are given the mandate, they will do what they have promised.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist and the Head of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana
Dr. Asah Asante’s highlights are a sobering reminder of the challenges facing Northern Ghana and the critical role that irrigation infrastructure can play in alleviating food insecurity. Dr. Asante’s call for action is a plea for political leaders to prioritize the needs of the people and deliver on their commitments to improve the lives of those in vulnerable regions.
As the election campaigns continue, all political actors need to focus on implementing policies that address the root causes of food insecurity in the north, particularly through the development of irrigation projects like the Pwalugu Dam.
Dr. Asah Asante’s message is clear, promises alone are not enough; they must be backed by concrete actions that deliver real results for the people of Ghana.
