Progress Update: Kpong Irrigation Scheme hits 75% completion
The rehabilitation of the Kpong Irrigation Scheme in Ghana is now about 75 percent complete, with the overall project cost estimated at US$22.5 million. The initiative forms a key component of broader resilience efforts under the West Africa Food System Resilience Project (FSRP), which aims to strengthen food security and agricultural productivity across the region.
What’s driving the project?
The Kpong rehabilitation project seeks to restore and upgrade critical irrigation infrastructure that supports thousands of farmers in the Lower River Pra area. By modernizing canals, gates, control structures, and pumping stations, the scheme is expected to improve water efficiency, crop yields, and the reliability of irrigation supplies during both dry spells and peak wet seasons.
Financial and contractual framework
With a total budget of US$22.5 million, the project reflects a collaborative financing approach that combines government resources with development partner support under the FS RP umbrella. A contracted team of engineers and construction specialists has been coordinating works, ensuring that rehabilitation goals align with safety, environmental, and social standards while preventing budget overruns and schedule slips.
Key rehabilitation components
- Resurfacing and lining of irrigation canals to reduce seepage losses
- Replacement and modernization of control structures to improve water distribution
- Upgrades to pumping and drainage systems to enhance resilience against floods
- Strengthening of rehabilitation monitoring, maintenance planning, and local capacity
These components collectively aim to deliver more reliable irrigation, enabling farmers to plan confidentially around cropping cycles and weather patterns. The improvements are expected to bolster yields for a variety of crops that are staples in the region, contributing to both household food security and rural incomes.
Impact on farmers and communities
As the scheme moves toward completion, farmers will benefit from improved water management and reduced wastage. Access to dependable irrigation supports multiple cropping systems and can extend growing windows, potentially increasing annual outputs. In the broader FS RP context, the Kpong project serves as a model for resilient agricultural infrastructure that can withstand climate variability while supporting food value chains from farm to market.
Timeline and next steps
At 75 percent completion, project managers anticipate finalization within a defined schedule, subject to weather, supply chain considerations, and on-site safety performance. The remaining works focus on finishing touches, testing of water control devices, and a formal commissioning process that will transfer the upgraded assets to national or local authorities for ongoing maintenance.
Why this matters for Ghana and the region
Improved irrigation infrastructure under the FS RP umbrella aligns with strategic goals to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce vulnerability to climate shocks, and foster regional food system resilience. By safeguarding canal integrity and canal efficiencies, the Kpong Rehabilitation Project contributes to sustainable farming livelihoods, job creation, and the diversification of crops that can withstand market and climatic pressures.
As the 75 percent milestone nears, stakeholders emphasize continued monitoring, capacity building for maintenance crews, and transparent reporting to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the renovated irrigation assets. When completed, the Kpong Irrigation Scheme will stand as a tangible indicator of progress toward a more resilient and productive agricultural sector in Ghana and West Africa.
