Farmers at Mprumem in the Central Region are protesting what they describe as an attempt by the Ghana Irrigation Authority (GIA) to reallocate farmland they have developed under a trial project to outsiders.
In a petition to the Authority, the group, operating under the name Fresh Africa Growers Asssociation (FRAGA-Mprumem) expressed disappointment over the development, stressing that it violates an earlier understanding reached with them.
According to the farmers, they were invited by the GIA to cultivate the newly created farmlands around the Mprumem irrigation dam as part of a pilot initiative.
They claim the agreement was that once the trial succeeded, they would be given formal access to the land at a fee.
However, the group says despite their investments in rejuvenating the land, it is now being allocated to third parties without their consent.
“This constitutes a breach of agreement. We invested heavily in good faith, believing we would be granted the right to farm the land,” the petition signed by General Secretary Emmanuel Kwety Nartey stated.
The farmers have vowed not to vacate the land unless the Authority provides a lawful justification. They further indicated their readiness to seek legal redress, including compensation for financial losses, if the matter is not resolved.
The statement also emphasized that the Mprumem irrigation dam was constructed as a community project, not a profit-making venture. It cited Article 36(9) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the state to protect farmers’ rights.
The group has called on the Ghana Irrigation Authority to reconsider its decision and return to the negotiation table. They believe dialogue could produce a fair and lasting solution.
The petition was copied to key stakeholders, including the Gomoa West District Assembly, the Queen Mother of Gomoa Mprumem, and the local Agricultural Director.
Source: Adomonline
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Read the full statement below: