The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming the Volta Region into a key agricultural and industrial hub in Ghana, anchored on the 24-Hour Economy Policy and a renewed focus on the Volta Economic Corridor.

Speaking at the Volta Economic Forum — a special edition of the Hogbetsotsoza celebration — the Minister traced the origins of the Volta Corridor development agenda to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s Volta River Project, describing the region as the “industrial heartbeat” envisioned to drive national growth.

Mr. Opoku highlighted the Volta Region’s potential in agriculture, energy, aquaculture, mineral exploitation and tourism, emphasising that the region could become the centre of Ghana’s food production and agro-processing revolution.

“If one were to design a ‘Capital of Economic Potential,’ it would be here in the Volta Region,” he stated, adding that the government is committed to unlocking that vision through modern agricultural development and private sector partnerships.

The Minister outlined major projects already underway in the region under the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA) and the Feed Ghana Programme (FGP):

 Irrigation Expansion

• Weta scheme nearing completion to boost large-scale rice and vegetable production.

• Rehabilitation works commenced at Aveyime irrigation site to support rice, maize and tomato production.

• Greenhouse modernisation planned for Adidome and Afife to empower youth-led agribusiness.

 Mechanisation and Service Centres

Farmers’ Service Centres (FSCs) are being established to provide modern farming tools, advisory services, and market access for farmers in major value chains.

 €154M Italian-BF International Mega Project

A landmark 10,000-hectare irrigated model farm will be established in the Volta Region to produce rice, maize, soya, onion, and tomato.

The initiative will also:

• Create thousands of jobs

• Deliver schools, clinics and water systems to nearby communities

• Establish research partnerships with WACCI and CSIR

“This investment alone could make the Volta Basin the new frontier for Ghana’s agricultural industrialisation,” the Minister declared.

 Climate-Smart Agriculture

Weather stations and digital platforms have been deployed under FSRP to provide real-time climate, market and livestock updates to farmers.

Volta Region to Host 2025 National Farmers’ Day

In what he described as a symbolic and strategic decision, Mr Opoku announced that Ho will host the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration in December 2025 under the theme:

“Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future.”

The Minister said the selection of Ho underscores the government’s recognition of the region’s critical role in food security and agribusiness.

Mr. Opoku pledged closer collaboration with the Volta Corridor Investment Centre, the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, traditional authorities, and the private sector to accelerate development.

He supported calls from the chiefs and people of Anlo for the upgrade of the Ohawu Agricultural College into a university to strengthen research and skilled manpower for the sector.

The Minister urged stakeholders to rally behind the government’s ambition to make the Volta Region the engine of Ghana’s next economic revolution.

“Let us make the Volta Corridor not only a geographical passage but a corridor of prosperity, innovation, and food security,” he said.

“Together, let us Feed Ghana, Build Ghana, and Transform Ghana — through the Volta Corridor