Recent floods triggered by the spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams have devastated more than 6,000 hectares of cropped fields in the Volta Region of Ghana. The affected crops include cassava (2,500 hectares), maize (2,750 hectares), tomato (20 hectares), onion/shallots (60.7 hectares), and pepper (40 hectares). Over 6,740 farmers have been displaced by the deluge, resulting in the loss of over 50,000 tonnes of various crops. The Regional Director of Agriculture, William Dzamefe, disclosed this information during the 2023 Farmers Day Celebration in Ho.
Six out of the 18 administrative districts in the region, including North Tongu, Central Tongu, South Tongu, Anloga, Keta, and South Dayi, were severely affected, while North Dayi District and Kpando municipality experienced minimal impact. Despite the challenges, Mr Dzamefe assured that there is no imminent food crisis in the region. The Department of Agriculture is planning short-term interventions, such as providing planting materials and fertilizers during the next planting window, and medium to long-term plans to support displaced farmers in relocating with appropriate land preparation and development.
Source: peacefmonline.com