MiDA appeals to chiefs to release land along Volta basin - To drive 24-hour Plus programme

The Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) has urged chiefs in the Volta basin to release land to advance the 24-Hour Plus Programme through the creation of large-scale Agro-Ecological Parks (AEPs).

The Chief Executive of MiDA, Alexander Kofi-Mensah Mould, said land was central to the success of the major agricultural transformation project that was taking shape along the Volta corridor.

He made the appeal during an inspection tour of the White and Black Volta basins.

Led by the Board Chairman of MiDA, Dr Charles Abugre, the team directly appealed to traditional leaders to release lands to drive President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-Hour Plus Programme.

“The success of the 24-hour agricultural programme depends heavily on the availability of land,” Mr Mould stressed during a courtesy call on the Worawora Traditional Council.

“We are counting on you to help unlock the agricultural potential of this area.”

In a show of support, the Chief of Worawora, Daasebre Sarfro Baah III, announced that thousands of acres had been set aside for the commercial cultivation of ginger, chilli pepper and rice for export.

“The people of Worawora are ready,” the chief stated and called on the government to back the initiative with irrigation and farm inputs to scale up production.

The proposed Agro-Ecological Parks are expected to function as integrated 24-hour agro-industrial zones — combining farming, processing, storage, logistics and export to boost jobs and foreign exchange earnings.
 

Wasted water, dams 

The tour revealed serious infrastructural bottlenecks that could undermine the vision.

Despite their proximity to the Volta River, many communities lacked irrigation systems and relied solely on rainfall for farming.

“Water is flowing beside these communities, yet farmers depend on rain,” the MiDA boss observed.

In parts of the Northern Region, incomplete facilities under the One Village, One Dam initiative drew sharp criticisms from the team.

“What we saw in some cases are dugouts masquerading as dams,” Mr Mould stated bluntly.

Meanwhile, MiDA has identified Kubungu in the Northern Region as a potential cold chain logistics hub linked to the Tamale Airport to support fruit, vegetable and nuts exports.

MiDA is expected to submit a comprehensive technical report in the coming months to guide investment and inter-agency coordination.