The Government of Ghana has unveiled plans to expand the Water-Energy-Nexus Project to cover all irrigation schemes nationwide, in a move aimed at pro
The Government of Ghana has unveiled plans to expand the Water-Energy-Nexus Project to cover all irrigation schemes nationwide, in a move aimed at promoting renewable energy, enhancing agricultural productivity, and improving food security.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, at Dawhenya in the Greater Accra Region, where the government broke ground for the first pilot project — a 1-megawatt (MW) solar installation supported by the Korean Government.
Background of the Project
The Water-Energy-Nexus Project was conceived as part of government’s broader agenda to align the country’s energy needs with sustainable agriculture.
The initiative combines renewable energy technologies, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and wind power, with irrigation infrastructure.
By powering irrigation schemes with clean energy, government hopes to reduce costs, enable year-round farming, and reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture, which has often left farmers vulnerable to climate change.
Over the years, erratic rainfall patterns and rising fuel costs for irrigation have posed major challenges for farmers. Ghana continues to spend heavily on food imports, worsening trade deficits and currency instability.
Policymakers see the project as a long-term solution that not only strengthens agriculture but also addresses energy transition commitments.
The Dawhenya Pilot Project
The Dawhenya project, being piloted with Korean funding, is the first practical step in scaling up the nexus initiative.
According to the Minister, John Jinapor, the pilot will deploy solar-powered pumping systems designed to provide reliable irrigation water for farmers.
“In the coming weeks, we will begin pilot projects in three regions. These projects will involve installing solar-powered pumps to enable all-year farming, boost food security, cut down the import bill, and stabilise the currency,” he explained.
The government is also considering integrating the system with potable water supply for nearby communities, offering a dual benefit of clean water for households and reliable irrigation for farms.
Funding and Partnerships
Jinapor disclosed that approval has already been secured from the Ministry of Finance, ensuring the program’s funding stream.
He further noted that the Ministry of Agriculture is collaborating to align the initiative with national food production targets.
The government’s partnership with the Korean Government is central to the project’s success, as it brings in technological expertise and initial funding.
However, Jinapor emphasized that Ghana is also mobilising internal resources to ensure the program is sustainable in the long run, rather than being fully dependent on external support.
Outlook
The expansion of the Water-Energy-Nexus Project comes at a time when the country is grappling with high food prices and the challenge of reducing its food import bill.
If successful, the program could mark a turning point in the agricultural transformation by ensuring that farmers have reliable water and energy access throughout the year.
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