A delegation of chiefs, rice farmers and concerned youth from Weta presented a petition to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture on Tuesday, demanding urgent action to address the challenges confronting the Weta Irrigation Scheme after recent floods devastated their fields.
Gideon Kokroko, a member of the concerned youth of the Weta Irrigation Project, said 1,203 farmers had registered for the project and that the floods had “consumed everything.” He appealed for financial assistance to help farmers who have lost crops and livelihoods while they wait for the next farming season.
The petition was received on behalf of the Minister by Deputy Minister Hon. John Dumelo, who assured the delegation that the government would rehabilitate the scheme and support farmers to restore the once‑thriving agricultural project. Dumelo added that he had been informed by MP Edem Agbana that some farmers from his constituency wanted to meet him later that day and that the petition was something that could be done and would be done.
Farmers are demanding urgent rehabilitation of the facility to restore farmlands severely affected by years of challenges, with more than 1,200 families affected. They are also calling for appropriate compensation and a thorough investigation into the utilisation of World Bank funds allocated for the redevelopment of the facility.
MP Edem Agbana, who represented Ketu North, assured constituents of his commitment to sustained advocacy. He said he would continue engaging relevant authorities to secure concrete action, insisting that the concerns raised must translate into a clear rehabilitation plan, accountability for funds, and a credible pathway toward restoring livelihoods.
The Weta Irrigation Scheme is a critical agricultural asset with enormous potential to boost rice production, create jobs and strengthen Ghana’s food security. Further delays in addressing these challenges could worsen the plight of affected farmers and their families.
