The World Bank has approved $125 million in financing to rehabilitate critical irrigation infrastructure across Ghana, with the Vea Dam project in Upper East Region prioritized for immediate implementation pending parliamentary ratification.
The funding falls under the West Africa Food Systems Resilience Program, targeting enhanced agricultural productivity and climate adaptation.
Dr. Ashwini Sebastian, World Bank Senior Agriculture Economist, confirmed during a Vea Dam inspection that 80% of the facility focuses on irrigation. “Design updates for Vea are complete. We await Parliament’s approval to issue construction contracts,” she stated.
The project will restore 850 hectares of farmland through canal rehabilitation, automated irrigation systems, and climate-smart agriculture training. Complementary works include road and bridge improvements across Bono, Ashanti, and Bono East regions.
Charles Bawadua, Member of Parliament for Bongo constituency where Vea is located, pledged urgent legislative action.
“We’ve mobilized the Northern Caucus of MPs to fast-track documentation through the Finance Ministry and Parliament,” Bawadua affirmed. He highlighted the scheme’s potential to combat youth unemployment while aligning with the Mahama administration’s “Feed Ghana” policy.
The timeline anticipates contract awards by year-end if approved, with construction completing within 18 months.
This follows ongoing World Bank-supported irrigation upgrades at Pong and Tono, where 60% of works cover 900 hectares. Additional partner funding from institutions like IFAD will expand coverage to Weta and Tanoso irrigation schemes.
