Ketu North MP demands urgent action on Weta Irrigation crisis affecting 1,200 farming families

The Weta Irrigation Scheme, a critical agricultural infrastructure in the Ketu North constituency, is in urgent need of rehabilitation as over 1,200 farming families struggle with severe operational challenges. Member of Parliament Eric Edem Agbana has led a formal delegation of chiefs, rice farmers and local youth to present a petition to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, with Deputy Minister John Dumelo receiving the memorandum on behalf of the sector minister on Monday.

The deteriorating condition of the scheme has imposed considerable hardship on farmers and their families, threatening both their immediate livelihoods and Ghana's broader food security objectives. The delegation called for immediate government intervention to restore damaged irrigation infrastructure and reclaim farmlands that have been severely affected by years of neglect and operational challenges.

Compensation and accountability demanded

Beyond infrastructure rehabilitation, affected farmers have appealed for appropriate compensation to help them recover economically from the crisis. A particularly significant demand in the petition centres on accountability for World Bank funds that were released specifically for the redevelopment of the scheme. The delegation has called for a thorough investigation into how these resources were utilised, emphasising the need for transparency in project implementation.

This concern reflects broader frustrations about agricultural development projects in Ghana where funding is committed but results remain unclear. MP Agbana stressed that any intervention must include a clear rehabilitation plan, concrete accountability measures for committed funds, and a credible strategy to restore farmer livelihoods. He has committed to continuing engagement with relevant authorities to ensure the concerns of Weta residents remain prioritised at the national level until meaningful progress is achieved.

Why it matters for Ghana

The Weta Irrigation Scheme represents a significant asset for Ghana's agricultural development and food security strategy. Well-functioning irrigation schemes are critical to increasing rice production domestically, reducing import dependency and creating stable rural employment. The scheme's deterioration has ripple effects beyond Ketu North, affecting Ghana's ability to meet domestic rice demand and the economic stability of rural communities.

The situation also highlights a pattern that affects multiple agricultural projects across Ghana—infrastructure investment without sustained maintenance or transparent fund management. The Deputy Minister's assurance of government commitment must now translate into concrete action, with clear timelines and accountability mechanisms. For farmers in Weta and similar constituencies, the outcome of this petition will signal whether government agricultural pledges translate into genuine support for rural livelihoods and food production capacity.

The petition underscores the importance of parliamentary oversight and constituency-level advocacy in holding government accountable on development issues. As Ghana continues to prioritise food security and agricultural transformation, the resolution of cases like Weta will be instructive for the broader rural economy and for government credibility on agricultural development commitments.