Assembly resolves impasse over land for irrigation project

Ofoase-Ashanti, April 25, GNA - An impasse between Ofoase Traditional Council and some farmers in the Asante-Akim South district over land acquired for a rice irrigation project has been resolved for the project to commence.

The land was acquired in 1995 under the Agricultural Sector Investment Programme (ASIP) for the project but had been the source of litigation.

However, after 11 years of litigation, an agreement under which the farmers would be the beneficiaries of the project had been reached. Mr Yaw Yeboah, Project Co-ordinator, who announced this at a durbar to mark the amicable resolution of the impasse at Ofoase, said work on the project would begin this year.

He said the Ofoase project was among 11 others selected for rice irrigation in the country and the Ofoase project was among the first seven to constitute the first phase of the project.

Dr Lord Justice Gyamfi-Fenteng, Asante-Akim South District Chief Executive, said the irrigation project would boost agricultural production on a large-scale in the district.

He said erratic rainfall pattern in recent times had necessitated finding a lasting solution to maximise food production and the project was part of Government's efforts to reduce poverty. Nana Tiefum Ampratwum, Paramount Chief of Ofoase, commended the Government for the project and urged the people to rekindle their communal spirit and ensure the success of the project to address the unemployment situation among the youth. 25 April 06