• Contact US
  • Advertise With US
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Submit Station
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Kumasi Mail
Advertisement
  • Home
  • News
    • All
    • Education
    • Health
    • Manhyia
    NADMO extends relief to conflict-affected communities in Bole district

    NADMO extends relief to conflict-affected communities in Bole district

    Tobinco Pharmaceuticals donates Air Conditioner to St. Theresa Catholic Hospital in Nandom

    Tobinco Pharmaceuticals donates Air Conditioner to St. Theresa Catholic Hospital in Nandom

    ‘Arrogance and Reversal’: Minority slams and demands Sam George to account for GH₵10,000 levy imposed on DSTV

    ‘Arrogance and Reversal’: Minority slams and demands Sam George to account for GH₵10,000 levy imposed on DSTV

    Abronye’s allegations against Kennedy Agyapong exposed as baseless, NPP Gen Sec fires back

    Abronye’s allegations against Kennedy Agyapong exposed as baseless, NPP Gen Sec fires back

    Kodua threatens mass suspensions if given power in his role as General Secretary

    Kodua threatens mass suspensions if given power in his role as General Secretary

    Ghana to introduce HIV preventive vaccine by 2026, plans local production

    Ghana to introduce HIV preventive vaccine by 2026, plans local production

    Four armed robbers including two soldiers, arrested  at Prestea Mining site

    Four armed robbers including two soldiers, arrested at Prestea Mining site

    We’re working with police to arrest dismissed KNUST SHS assistant headmaster – Gender Minister

    We’re working with police to arrest dismissed KNUST SHS assistant headmaster – Gender Minister

    GBA President urges Lawyers to prioritize public service

    Artificial Intelligence can enhance Ghana’s courts – GBA President

    • Health
    • Education
  • Election 2024
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Showbiz
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • World
  • Media
  • Manhyia
  • History
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • All
    • Education
    • Health
    • Manhyia
    NADMO extends relief to conflict-affected communities in Bole district

    NADMO extends relief to conflict-affected communities in Bole district

    Tobinco Pharmaceuticals donates Air Conditioner to St. Theresa Catholic Hospital in Nandom

    Tobinco Pharmaceuticals donates Air Conditioner to St. Theresa Catholic Hospital in Nandom

    ‘Arrogance and Reversal’: Minority slams and demands Sam George to account for GH₵10,000 levy imposed on DSTV

    ‘Arrogance and Reversal’: Minority slams and demands Sam George to account for GH₵10,000 levy imposed on DSTV

    Abronye’s allegations against Kennedy Agyapong exposed as baseless, NPP Gen Sec fires back

    Abronye’s allegations against Kennedy Agyapong exposed as baseless, NPP Gen Sec fires back

    Kodua threatens mass suspensions if given power in his role as General Secretary

    Kodua threatens mass suspensions if given power in his role as General Secretary

    Ghana to introduce HIV preventive vaccine by 2026, plans local production

    Ghana to introduce HIV preventive vaccine by 2026, plans local production

    Four armed robbers including two soldiers, arrested  at Prestea Mining site

    Four armed robbers including two soldiers, arrested at Prestea Mining site

    We’re working with police to arrest dismissed KNUST SHS assistant headmaster – Gender Minister

    We’re working with police to arrest dismissed KNUST SHS assistant headmaster – Gender Minister

    GBA President urges Lawyers to prioritize public service

    Artificial Intelligence can enhance Ghana’s courts – GBA President

    • Health
    • Education
  • Election 2024
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Showbiz
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • World
  • Media
  • Manhyia
  • History
No Result
View All Result
Kumasi Mail
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Election 2024
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Showbiz
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • World
  • Media
  • Manhyia
  • History
Home Business

Tuba Farmers Urge Government to Rehabilitate Ageing Irrigation Canals

Decades-old infrastructure poses a threat to food security, livelihoods, and urban food supply in the Tuba farming community

Liebyang Joseph Philip Ziem by Liebyang Joseph Philip Ziem
September 11, 2025
in Business, News
0
Tuba Farmers Urge Government to Rehabilitate Ageing Irrigation Canals
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The Tuba Irrigation Farmers Association is calling on the government to act urgently to rehabilitate the ageing Tuba Irrigation Scheme, which has served as a critical agricultural hub for over 40 years.

According to the association’s Vice Chairman, James Amankwanor Mensah, the deteriorating condition of the irrigation canals is threatening food production, jobs, and the survival of hundreds of farmers and labourers.

“The canals are choked, broken, and blocked by sand and debris. We keep spending money trying to fix them, but without proper rehabilitation, nothing changes. It’s unacceptable,” said Mr. Mensah in an interview with Hoenyefia Noah Nash during the reporter’s visit to the farm while harvesting of tomatoes.

He believes that a comprehensive renovation of the irrigation facility will result in higher crop yields, improved living standards, and a stronger local economy.

Farm Labourers: Farming is Our Lifeline

At the heart of the Tuba Irrigation Scheme are people like Sarah Addison and Afia Kamsin, two seasonal farm labourers who, despite being trained dressmakers, rely on farming for survival. For them, the scheme is not just about food it’s about dignity and daily bread.

“If I don’t work on the farm, there’s no food at home. My dressmaking isn’t enough,” Sarah said as she harvest tomatoes on 2.5 acres farmland in Tuba.

Afia added, “Sometimes I sew, but the orders aren’t consistent. The farm gives me weekly wages that help feed my kids and pay rent.”

The scheme currently supports over 230 registered farmers and employs more than 300 seasonal and permanent labourers, many of whom are women. These workers are paid daily or weekly and form the backbone of the food supply chain that feeds much of the surrounding communities markets and parts of Accra big market in the capital.

Traders Say: Tuba Keeps Prices Low

For many market traders, the Tuba Irrigation Scheme is a vital source of fresh and affordable produce. Rukaya, a tomato trader in Tuba Market, and Maabena, an Tomato seller in the Onion Market, both source their goods directly from the fields.

“I come to the farms myself to buy. Tomatoes from Tuba are cheaper, fresher, and help me make enough profit,” said Rukaya, as she sorted crates of tomatoes by size. Maabena agreed, saying, “Tuba produce keeps my business running. If the canals break down completely, we will suffer, and prices will go up in the market.”

These traders are part of a larger network of local food vendors who depend on consistent supply from the Tuba Irrigation scheme. Any disruption to irrigation threatens not just farms but also food affordability in Tuba,  surrounding towns and Accra.

A Forgotten Canal System: 40 Years Without Major Repairs

The Tuba Irrigation Scheme was established in 1983, with water drawn from the Densu River and the Weija Irrigation Dam. A 7 to 8-kilometre open canal was constructed to supply water year-round to support vegetable farming. However, despite its scale and impact, the facility has never undergone major rehabilitation. “Since the 1990s, the canal has served us, but it has become fragile. Erosion, silt, and collapsed sections have made water distribution difficult,” Mr. Mensah explained.

During the dry season, water barely reaches the end of the fields. Farmers say they must sometimes carry water manually water the crops or abandon sections of their farms, leading to reduced productivity and financial loss.

Urban Farming as a Solution to Rising Food Prices

Urban and peri-urban farming has become an important solution to food security in Ghana. The proximity of Tuba to Accra makes it a key contributor to the city’s fresh produce market. Mr. Mensah believes that investing in urban irrigation systems like Tuba could ease the pressure on imported food, reduce transportation costs, and lower market prices for consumers. “Urban farming is the way forward. If we can produce more food near our cities, we reduce the cost of food, reduce imports, and create jobs,” he said.

He urged the government not to overlook Tuba and other urban farming communities when planning agricultural investments. The encroachment on most farmland has increase across the country. Land guard attack on farmland has increase due to the interest from the real estate company.

A Plea for Support and Recognition

Despite the current challenges, the farmers appreciate some of the support they’ve received. Mr. Mensah thanked the government for the recent fertiliser subsidy during the cropping season. “We are grateful for the fertiliser support. It farm got 20 bags fertilizer and It helped us start the season, but we still need more. Seeds, pesticides, tools and most importantly, the fertilizer,” he said.

Farmers are asking for a holistic intervention: one that includes rehabilitation of the reservoir and canal system, provision of farming inputs, and training for young people to continue the farming legacy in the area.

Looking Ahead: Can the Scheme Be Saved?

With thousands of livelihoods depending on the success of the Tuba Irrigation Scheme, the community is hoping their cry for help will be heard before the system collapses entirely. The cost of inaction, they warn, will be higher food prices, fewer jobs, and the collapse of a once-thriving local farming economy.

“We don’t need promises, we need action,” said Afia, as she headed back to the fields.

The Tuba Irrigation Scheme is more than a farming project; it’s a community, a source of sustenance, and a model of urban agriculture. Its current state reflects years of neglect, but with timely government intervention, it could once again become a shining example of sustainable farming in Ghana. Until then, the farmers of Tuba continue to work their fields, hoping for the day when water flows freely again, bringing not just crops, but renewed hope.

Source: www.KumasiMail.Com/Hoenyefia Noah Nash

Tags: AccraIrrigation SchemetopstoryTuba Farmers Association
ShareTweetSend
Previous Post

MTN Bright Scholarship Supports 500 Students and Teachers for 2025/2026 Academic Year

Next Post

Dreams Restored as MTN Bright Scholarship Transforms Lives of 500 Beneficiaries

YOU MAY LIKE

NADMO extends relief to conflict-affected communities in Bole district
News

NADMO extends relief to conflict-affected communities in Bole district

Tobinco Pharmaceuticals donates Air Conditioner to St. Theresa Catholic Hospital in Nandom
Health

Tobinco Pharmaceuticals donates Air Conditioner to St. Theresa Catholic Hospital in Nandom

‘Arrogance and Reversal’: Minority slams and demands Sam George to account for GH₵10,000 levy imposed on DSTV
News

‘Arrogance and Reversal’: Minority slams and demands Sam George to account for GH₵10,000 levy imposed on DSTV

Abronye’s allegations against Kennedy Agyapong exposed as baseless, NPP Gen Sec fires back
News

Abronye’s allegations against Kennedy Agyapong exposed as baseless, NPP Gen Sec fires back

Kodua threatens mass suspensions if given power in his role as General Secretary
News

Kodua threatens mass suspensions if given power in his role as General Secretary

Next Post
MTN Bright Scholarship Supports 500 Students and Teachers for 2025/2026 Academic Year

Dreams Restored as MTN Bright Scholarship Transforms Lives of 500 Beneficiaries

OSP petition to investigate Vice President Bawumia’s role in PDS scandal

Dr. Bawumia proposes constituency-based budgeting model for Ghana

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LATEST NEWS

Film industry needs tax incentives to attract big production deals

Film industry needs tax incentives to attract big production deals

Accra embraces Israeli Cinema as the wedding plan captivates film festival crowd

Accra embraces Israeli Cinema as the wedding plan captivates film festival crowd

NADMO extends relief to conflict-affected communities in Bole district

NADMO extends relief to conflict-affected communities in Bole district

Tobinco Pharmaceuticals donates Air Conditioner to St. Theresa Catholic Hospital in Nandom

Tobinco Pharmaceuticals donates Air Conditioner to St. Theresa Catholic Hospital in Nandom

‘Arrogance and Reversal’: Minority slams and demands Sam George to account for GH₵10,000 levy imposed on DSTV

‘Arrogance and Reversal’: Minority slams and demands Sam George to account for GH₵10,000 levy imposed on DSTV

Abronye’s allegations against Kennedy Agyapong exposed as baseless, NPP Gen Sec fires back

Abronye’s allegations against Kennedy Agyapong exposed as baseless, NPP Gen Sec fires back

Kodua threatens mass suspensions if given power in his role as General Secretary

Kodua threatens mass suspensions if given power in his role as General Secretary

Ghana to introduce HIV preventive vaccine by 2026, plans local production

Ghana to introduce HIV preventive vaccine by 2026, plans local production

Some Ashanti NPP Constituency Youth Organizers endorse Bryan Acheampong for 2028 flagbearer race

Some Ashanti NPP Constituency Youth Organizers endorse Bryan Acheampong for 2028 flagbearer race

Four armed robbers including two soldiers, arrested  at Prestea Mining site

Four armed robbers including two soldiers, arrested at Prestea Mining site

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
52-Year-old man arrested in Nsawam for possessing suspected EC Biometric Device

52-Year-old man arrested in Nsawam for possessing suspected EC Biometric Device

Ghana Airforce Z-9 Helicopter Goes Missing en Route to Obuasi, Rescue Efforts Underway

Ghana Airforce Z-9 Helicopter Goes Missing en Route to Obuasi, Rescue Efforts Underway

Asokore Mamponhene Nana Boakye Ansah passes away

Asokore Mamponhene Nana Boakye Ansah passes away

EPA CEO calls for Immediate action to restore polluted water bodies in Ashanti region

EPA CEO calls for Immediate action to restore polluted water bodies in Ashanti region

Hello world!

1
NCA promises lower data prices by year-end

NCA promises lower data prices by year-end

1
COVID-19: Information Ministry justifies GHC150K spent on staff

COVID-19: Information Ministry justifies GHC150K spent on staff

1
EC to conduct mop-up registration August 1-3

EC to conduct mop-up registration August 1-3

1
Film industry needs tax incentives to attract big production deals

Film industry needs tax incentives to attract big production deals

Accra embraces Israeli Cinema as the wedding plan captivates film festival crowd

Accra embraces Israeli Cinema as the wedding plan captivates film festival crowd

NADMO extends relief to conflict-affected communities in Bole district

NADMO extends relief to conflict-affected communities in Bole district

Tobinco Pharmaceuticals donates Air Conditioner to St. Theresa Catholic Hospital in Nandom

Tobinco Pharmaceuticals donates Air Conditioner to St. Theresa Catholic Hospital in Nandom

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram
Kumasi Mail

About US

Advertise With US

Submit Station

© 2024 KumasiMail.com