World Bank Pledges $30 Million to Transform Ghana’s Irrigation Systems

In a significant step to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience in Ghana, the World Bank has committed to bridging a $30 million funding gap for the country’s Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP).

The investment aims to support the development of irrigation systems, crucial for the country’s food security.

Mr. Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank’s Regional Vice President for Western and Central Africa, made the announcement during his visit to the Kpong Irrigation Scheme and Kpong Left Bank Irrigation System sites on January 12, 2025.

He emphasized that while the country’s irrigable land is estimated at 1.9 million hectares, only about 1.6% is currently equipped with irrigation.

This is far below the regional average of 13.9%, which has impacted Ghana’s agricultural productivity and food resilience.

“We’re a long-standing partner for Ghana, and we’ll gladly consider additional financing if necessary to complete this project,” Diagana said.

The World Bank’s commitment to the project highlights agriculture’s vital role in job creation and income generation, and Diagana stressed that no country could develop without investing in this sector.

The FSRP is a critical initiative, with the goal of modernizing major irrigation schemes in Ghana.

So far, the program has received $22.5 million from the World Bank, which has already led to productivity improvements, such as achieving six tonnes per hectare in some regions.

However, Diagana suggested that reaching seven tonnes per hectare would signal optimal use of the country’s resources.

The project has already shown positive outcomes in Asutuare and Kpong, particularly benefiting youth and women involved in agriculture.

Local leaders, like Ms. Priscilla Adom Tawiah of the Kpone Left Bank Irrigation System, called for increased access to affordable funding to accelerate the development of agribusinesses and transform the region into an agricultural tourism hub.