We will irrigate over 2 million hectares to transform agriculture
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that his government will embark on a large-scale irrigation project covering over 2 million hectares of land as part of a bold plan to transform Ghana’s agricultural sector.
This initiative forms a central part of the newly launched 24-hour economy programme, which aims to boost productivity and job creation across key sectors.
Speaking at the official unveiling of the 24-hour economy initiative in Accra, President Mahama said the irrigation programme will be implemented under the “Grow 24” pillar, one of the eight core areas of the broader initiative. He explained that Grow 24 is designed to modernise agriculture through sustained, technology-driven interventions and unlock the sector’s full potential.
“This will mark the beginning of a new era in Ghana’s agriculture. With over 2 million hectares of irrigated land, we will ensure year-round cultivation, improve food security and create jobs across the country,” President Mahama stated.
He added that the Grow 24 agenda will support the development of agro-industrial parks, which will serve as hubs for value addition, packaging, and agro-processing. These parks are expected to reduce post-harvest losses, improve efficiency in the agricultural value chain, and enhance market access for farmers.
The president noted that the initiative will be backed by strong support for farmer cooperatives, access to modern inputs and increased mechanisation. He also emphasised that Grow 24 will be a key driver of food self-sufficiency and increase the country’s capacity for agricultural exports.
President Mahama said the larger 24-hour economy programme is designed to extend economic activity across agriculture, manufacturing, services and the creative industries by promoting continuous operations. This will be supported by infrastructure development, financing opportunities and digital connectivity to create a more dynamic and resilient economy.
“We are not just aiming to grow more food we are building a complete ecosystem that supports farmers, agro-processors, and entrepreneurs to thrive in a modern economy,” he added.
The 24-hour economy programme is expected to play a significant role in reducing unemployment, expanding access to services, and driving Ghana’s economic growth through innovation and inclusion.
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