Ghana possesses vast tracts of land and significant water resources that could support large-scale agricultural production. However, the challenge remains in effectively harnessing these resources for optimal food production.
Mr. Kojo Akoto Boateng a farmer and an engineer has made a compelling argument, highlighting the pressing need for irrigation infrastructure, organized agricultural spaces, and strategic government investments to enhance agricultural productivity.
He critiqued the current approach to irrigation and advocated for a structured, large-scale model that can transform Ghana’s agricultural sector.
“If you look at Ghana, we have a lot of land, which is still largely undeveloped for optimal production. We have water. If you check the data, about 5.4 billion cubic meters of water flow on the surface of Ghana every year. This water is enough to irrigate West Africa. It’s enough to feed the domestic needs of West Africa and the industrial needs. The problem is trapping this water, storing this water, and transporting this water to where it is required.”
Mr. Kojo Akoto Boateng Farmer and Engineer
Mr. Boateng lamented the lack of attention given to irrigation development compared to other public infrastructure projects such as roads, electricity, and schools. He argued that irrigation should be treated with the same level of priority as other essential infrastructure.
“I deem irrigation the same way you’ll see roads. Every community demands roads. Every community demands access to electricity. Every community demands schools. Every community demands hospitals. It’s the same we need to do for agriculture because irrigation and developed lands are foundational elements for food production.”
Mr. Kojo Akoto Boateng Farmer and Engineer
Importance of Organized Agricultural Spaces
One of the key points Mr. Boateng raised is the disorganized nature of Ghana’s agricultural landscape.
“If you go to Yendi, you have scattered farms all over—two acres here, one acre there. So even when you want to do organized mechanization, it’s difficult because your tractor moves from one piece of land, travels 8 kilometers to another, then 9 kilometers to another, and 12 kilometers to another just to plow.”
Mr. Kojo Akoto Boateng Farmer and Engineer
To address this inefficiency, Mr. Boateng proposed the development of structured farming enclaves, where land is allocated in larger, organized plots to allow for mechanized farming and increased productivity.
“Around Yendi, if the government strategically develops, say, thousand-acre [plots], which we distribute among families—maybe 10 acres, 20 acres—then we organize the space. Aggregators can come in with support, mechanization companies can come because it’s an organized space.”
Mr. Kojo Akoto Boateng Farmer and Engineer
Beyond community-level organization, he called for the creation of large-scale agricultural enclaves spanning 10,000 to 30,000 acres, designed specifically for mechanized commercial farming aimed at feeding both local industries and export markets.
Mr. Boateng urged the government to not only talk about irrigation and mechanization but to actively invest in these areas. He stressed that irrigation investments should be compared to the investments made in other sectors such as roads and hospitals.
Mr. Kojo Akoto Boateng’s argument presents a compelling case for prioritizing irrigation infrastructure and organized agricultural development in Ghana. With abundant land and water resources, the country has the potential to become a leading food producer in West Africa.
However, without strategic government investment in irrigation and structured agricultural spaces, this potential will remain untapped.
By treating irrigation as an essential infrastructure component, similar to roads and electricity, Ghana can ensure sustainable food production, enhance economic growth, and create a more resilient agricultural sector.
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