The Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John Mburudiba, has handed over 100 water pump machines to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Northern Region to strengthen irrigation farming and boost agricultural productivity.
The pumps—seized from illegal mining (galamsey) operations—are being repurposed under the government’s resetting agenda to support dry-season farming and improve food production.
The handover ceremony, held at the forecourt of the Department of Agriculture in Tamale, was attended by the Kumbungu District Chief Executive, Hon. Imoro Yakubu Kakpagu, the Northern Regional Director of Agriculture, Hajia Hawa Musah, and representatives of beneficiary MMDAs.
Handing over the equipment on behalf of the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, the Regional Minister charged the assemblies to deploy the pumps strictly for irrigation purposes.
“These machines must be properly allocated and used exclusively for irrigation farming to achieve their intended impact—improving food production and livelihoods across the region,” Hon. Ali Adolf John said.
He warned against any misuse of the pumps, particularly a return to illegal mining, and stressed the need for proper handling and routine maintenance to extend their lifespan.
“We will not tolerate the diversion of these machines back into galamsey. They are now tools for development, not destruction,” he added.
The Regional Minister further directed the Regional Directorate of Agriculture to intensify monitoring and supervision to ensure accountability and efficient use of the equipment.
Receiving the pumps on behalf of the MMDAs, Hon. Imoro Yakubu Kakpagu expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Regional Minister, and the government for the intervention.
He assured that the assemblies would use the machines strictly for irrigation farming and protect them to support sustainable agricultural development across the Northern Region.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
