President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a sweeping irrigation initiative aimed at modernising Ghana’s agriculture, featuring the construction of two new mega dams and the rehabilitation of eight existing irrigation dams. Speaking during the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament, he emphasised the government’s commitment to moving away from reliance on seasonal rain-fed farming toward continuous, year-round irrigation.
Irrigation at the Core of the Feed Ghana Programme
“The Feed Ghana Programme is firmly anchored on irrigation for world-class creation,” President Mahama said. “Government is deliberately shifting our agriculture from rain-fed dependence to irrigation-based farming to support continuous production and strengthen climate resilience.”
Mega Dams for Water Security
Central to the programme are two new mega dams, designed to secure water supply for thousands of farming communities.
“These mega dams will provide a reliable water source, enabling continuous cultivation throughout the year,” he explained. “They are key to modernising agriculture and enhancing climate resilience.”
Rehabilitation of Existing Dams
In addition to new constructions, eight existing irrigation dams are undergoing full-scale rehabilitation to maximise capacity and efficiency.
“Rehabilitating these dams ensures our current infrastructure operates at its full potential. It is part of our broader effort to modernise irrigation and secure sustainable agricultural growth,” the President noted.
Complementary Initiatives
The programme also incorporates:
- Construction of 250 solar-powered boreholes for farming communities and schools in the Northern Belt and Brong Ahafo Region.
- Rehabilitation of major irrigation schemes at Via, Weta, Tanoso, Kpong, Ashaiman, and Aveyime.
- Development of over 1,300 hectares of new inland valleys to expand rice production.
President Mahama stressed that the initiative will strengthen food security, generate employment, and make Ghanaian agriculture more climate-resilient, positioning the sector for sustainable, year-round productivity.
