Weta irrigation farmers petition Agric Ministry after floods destroy rice fields

Farmers and traditional leaders in Weta, a town in the Ketu North Municipality of Ghana's Volta Region, have called on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for urgent aid following devastating floods that have destroyed more than 97% of the rice fields under the Weta Irrigation Scheme. The disaster has left more than 1,200 farming families devastated, with estimated losses exceeding GH¢4 billion, raising fears about the future of agriculture in the area.

The petition was presented to Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture John Dumelo at Parliament through Ketu North's Member of Parliament, Eric Edem Agbana. The farmers and leaders expressed concern over the damage to the irrigation scheme's infrastructure, with one gate already collapsed and the main gate at risk of collapse. They fear that without immediate intervention, the damage could spread, further jeopardizing rice production in the region.

The farmers are demanding an assessment of the destruction, repair of damaged infrastructure, and support including compensation for their losses. Deputy Minister Dumelo assured the farmers that steps would be taken to address their immediate needs.