The irrigation dam
The Irrigation Development Authority (IDA) land in the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly (ASHMA) meant for agriculture purposes is under threat as some residents in the area are polluting the canal with waste water from their homes.
Some of the residents also dump liquid and solid waste into the water body.
The Ashaiman Municipal Chief Executive (ASHMA) , Albert Boakye Okyere, who disclosed this to the Ghanaian Times said there was also an encroachment on the Youth-in-Agriculture farmlands, thus posing a threat to agriculture productivity in the area.
“If we are to encourage urban agriculture and aquaculture, then we need to protect the IDA land. The pollution of the canal is not good for farming,” Mr. Okyere said and cautioned all persons polluting the area to desist from it with immediate effect.
He said IDA land had proven that the Municipality had lands which were fertile for urban agriculture, contrary to the perception that was not suitable for food production.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) said to demonstrate the commitment of ASHMA to agricultural development, the assembly had put in place an Agric Sub-committee to facilitate agricultural programmes and activities in the area.
He disclosed that the assembly had also initiated plans to construct an abattoir at the IDA irrigation land to boost its vision of improving animal rearing, processing and consumption under the new government flagship programme of rearing for food and jobs.
Mr Okyere said the assembly had advertised for prospective investors to submit their proposals to partner with the assembly to implement the project through a Public Private Partnership (PPP).
He said to boost agriculture, the assembly had also established the Business Advisory Centre to prepare farmers, agro processors, fish mongers among others to access various funding arrangements to help farmers to expand their businesses.
Mr. Okyere encouraged more youth to go into agriculture and also contact the assembly for various assistance to ensure that farmers in the area win national awards in subsequent Farmers Day ceremonies.
From DzifaTetteh, Ashaiman.
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