Govt secures 5,000 acres for 24-hour irrigation project

The government has secured more than 5,000 acres of land at Damanko in the Nkwanta North District of the Oti Region for a 24-hour irrigation farming project aimed at boosting year-round food production and accelerating local economic growth.

The District Chief Executive (DCE), Kudjoe Issac Dordoe, told the Daily Graphic that the land acquisition—supported by chiefs from the Oti and northern regions—marks a major step towards modernising the largely agrarian district.

He explained that the project, under the government’s 24-Hour Economic Policy, will cultivate oil palm, cassava, maize, yams, and other high-value crops. Soil tests have confirmed the land is suitable for large-scale farming.

“When operational, the irrigation scheme will ensure all-year farming, increase productivity and create jobs, particularly for the youth,” Mr Dordoe said.

He, however, stressed that peace and security were essential to the project’s success, urging residents of Kpassa and surrounding communities to resolve land and chieftaincy disputes amicably to attract investors.

Bumper harvest, falling prices

With about 75 per cent of the district’s population engaged in farming, Nkwanta North is already experiencing gains. 
Government fertiliser support last year contributed to a bumper harvest this season, flooding farms and markets with maize, yams, and cassava.

The increased supply has led to lower food prices, easing pressure on households and strengthening the district’s position as one of the region’s food baskets.

Farmers, the DCE noted, are ready to expand production with sustained support and modern equipment.

To consolidate the gains, the assembly is facilitating the establishment of a farm mechanisation centre to provide tractors and irrigation systems, thereby reducing dependence on manual labour.

“We have relied on manual methods for too long.

Mechanisation will be a game-changer,” Mr Dordoe said.

Additional initiatives, including the “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” programme, piggery support schemes and climate-smart agriculture interventions, are expected to further enhance livelihoods and employment.

Infrastructure expansion 

Beyond agriculture, land has also been secured for a 24-hour economy market, awaiting sod-cutting by President John Dramani Mahama.

The DCE added that work on the Kpassa inner roads and the Eastern Corridor Road is progressing to improve connectivity and stimulate trade.

Plans are also advanced to tackle water challenges, with expanded mechanisation projects expected to be undertaken by Indian contractors.

Mr Dordoe commended security agencies for their professionalism and called on traditional and religious leaders to sustain peace-building efforts, emphasising that stability remained key to unlocking the district’s full agricultural and economic potential.