Weta Rice Farmers Association Launches to Transform Rice Farming in Ketu North
The Weta Rice Farmers Association of Ghana, based in the Ketu North District of the Volta Region, has officially launched with an ambitious mission to transform rice farming in the area. This newly formed association, made up of dedicated rice farmers, aims to unify its members and push for the revival of a long-abandoned irrigation project critical to the success of local rice farming.
The Weta enclave, known for its expansive rice fields, is a key contributor to Ghana’s food supply, producing an impressive 142,450 metric tons of milled rice annually. The region’s farmers use an estimated 23,672 bags of fertilizer each year, worth approximately 9.5 million Ghana cedis, underscoring the economic importance of rice farming to the local community and the nation.
However, farmers believe there is still untapped potential. The association’s patron, Sampson Klutse Gamanya, emphasized the need for government intervention to restore the decades-old irrigation project, which could significantly boost productivity. Speaking at the launch event, Gamanya highlighted the importance of improved market access to reduce post-harvest losses. “The Rice Farmers Association has positioned itself to address market access, a critical factor in mitigating post-harvest losses. We are appealing to the government, corporate bodies, and civil society organizations to help establish a rice market here,” he stated. Gamanya also stressed the need for agricultural machinery, including tractors, rice mills, dryers, and combined harvesters, to empower farmers in the area.
Ing. Dr. Bright Atsu Sogbe, President of the Africa Development Council, echoed these sentiments, urging the government to work alongside farmers in adding value to rice production and resolving post-harvest challenges. He emphasized that collaboration would help ensure long-term sustainability in the rice farming sector.
Edem Agbana, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary candidate for Ketu North, commended the farmers’ initiative and encouraged them to stay united. He assured them that if the NDC assumed power, they would prioritize the revitalization of the abandoned irrigation project to support rice farming in Ketu North.
A special guest at the event, Farmer Anthony Kofitu Morrison, CEO of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana, underscored the importance of a robust agricultural support system for farmers across Ghana. Morrison highlighted that for the country to achieve its vision of agricultural industrialization, there must be systems in place to offer technical support to farmers, enabling them to stay competitive. He recommended increased investment in Ohawu Agriculture College, envisioning it as a leading center for practical agricultural training and rice seed development research.
The official launch of the Weta Rice Farmers Association marks an important step toward transforming rice farming in the Ketu North District. With a shared vision and a strong commitment to advocating for enhanced infrastructure and market access, the association is laying the foundation for a more prosperous future for rice farmers in the region. By working closely with government and private partners, they aim to boost productivity, foster innovation, and ultimately improve the livelihoods of the local farming community.
