By Gloria Anderson
Ghana’s rice sector is witnessing remarkable improvements, thanks to the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) ongoing support under the Ghana Rice Production Improvement Project (GRIP). The five-year initiative (March 2022–February 2027) has already delivered substantial results, enhancing irrigation systems, boosting seed quality, and improving farmer livelihoods.
Farmers under the Kpong Irrigation Scheme, one of the project’s focal areas, have experienced significant yield increases due to improved water access and modern farming techniques. As part of a three day tour to supervise progress of work, officials of JICA and the media visited the Kpone Irrigation scheme where stakeholders discussed the challenges facing rice farmers. High cost of labour for transporting rice was identified as a major challenge.
While thanking JICA for the initiative, and acknowledging its role in addressing irrigation challenges, the stakeholders asked for a transporter to help reduce the high cost of transporting the rice. According to Solomon Buenor, General Secretary of the Seed Growers Association, JICA’s involvement since 2017 has transformed irrigation infrastructure, resolving longstanding challenges that previously hampered production.
Certified seed production has also seen notable progress. With GRIP’s emphasis on high-quality seeds and collaboration with the National Rice Coordinating Committee (NRCC), farmers now benefit from better germination rates and higher yields. “Access to certified seeds has improved drastically, enabling us to produce rice that meets market demands,” Buenor noted.
Mechanization remains a priority, with efforts underway to reduce labour costs associated with transplanting. Samuel Evans Lamptey, Project Manager of the Kpong Irrigation Project, emphasized that introducing rice transplanters could further enhance efficiency and reduce production costs for farmers.
Frank Kedzi of the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) highlighted the project’s broader impact: “Improved irrigation and seed quality are translating into higher yields and more stable incomes for farmers. This is not just about producing more rice—it’s about securing livelihoods and ensuring food security.”
With continued support from JICA, alongside the supervision of GIDA and the Directorate of Crop Services (DCS), GRIP is on track to significantly transform Ghana’s rice production landscape, fostering economic resilience and sustainable agricultural growth.
