In a significant boost to irrigation farming and agricultural productivity in the Northern Region, the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John, has handed over 100 water pump machines to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the region. The intervention aligns with the government’s Resetting Agenda, aimed at revitalising agriculture, strengthening food security, and improving rural livelihoods.
The official handover ceremony took place at the forecourt of the Department of Agriculture in Tamale and brought together key stakeholders in the agricultural sector. Among those present were the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Kumbungu, Hon. Imoro Yakubu Kakpagu, the Northern Regional Director of Agriculture, Hajia Hawa Musah, and representatives from various beneficiary MMDAs.
The water pumps, notably, were confiscated from illegal mining (galamsey) operations as part of the government’s broader efforts to protect water bodies and the environment. Rather than leaving the seized equipment idle, government has repurposed them to support dry-season farming and improved irrigation practices, particularly in climate-vulnerable communities within the Northern Region.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, the Northern Regional Minister underscored the importance of ensuring that the pumps are used strictly for irrigation farming. He charged the assemblies to allocate the machines responsibly and in ways that maximise their impact on food production and household incomes.
“This intervention is meant to strengthen irrigation farming, increase agricultural output, and improve livelihoods,” Hon. Ali Adolf John stated. He warned strongly against any misuse of the equipment, especially their diversion back into illegal mining activities, and stressed the need for proper handling, regular maintenance, and accountability.
The Regional Minister further tasked the Northern Regional Directorate of Agriculture with the responsibility of monitoring and supervising the use of the pumps to ensure efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.
Receiving the equipment on behalf of the MMDAs, Hon. Imoro Yakubu Kakpagu, DCE for Kumbungu, expressed deep appreciation to the Minister for Food and Agriculture, the Northern Regional Minister, and the government for what he described as a timely and impactful intervention.
He assured the Regional Minister that the assemblies would deploy the machines solely for their intended purpose—supporting irrigation farming across the districts—and pledged their commitment to safeguarding the equipment in the interest of sustainable agricultural development in the Northern Region.
This story was first published on the official Facebook page of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC) and is acknowledged accordingly.
