Tamale: Mr Ali Adolf John, the Northern Regional Minister, has handed over confiscated water pumps from illegal mining sites in the southern sector to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Northern Region to support dry season farming.
According to Ghana News Agency, the 100 pumps were confiscated and sent to the region as part of the government's efforts to clamp down on illegal mining, promote irrigation, and boost agricultural production during the dry season. The symbolic handing-over ceremony, held in Tamale, was witnessed by staff of the Northern Regional Department of Agriculture and representatives from selected MMDAs, including Tamale, Sagnarigu, Kumbungu, and Savelugu.
The Tamale Metropolis, Sagnarigu Municipality, Savelugu Municipality, and Kumbungu District each received 10 pumps, with the remaining pumps expected to be distributed to other assemblies across the region. Mr John, speaking during the ceremony, said it formed part of the government's strategy to combat illegal mining, protect the environment, and safeguard water bodies while purposing the confiscated equipment for productive use.
He stated that the pumps were strategically allocated to the region to encourage dry season farming, especially among women and the youth, to enhance livelihoods and create sustainable income opportunities. He urged young people to take advantage of the intervention to venture into irrigation farming and charged the MMDAs to ensure that the pumps were effectively utilized for their intended purpose.
Hajia Hawa Musah, Director of the Northern Regional Department of Agriculture, expressed gratitude for the gesture, noting it was timely and strategic, especially during the dry season. She mentioned that the intervention would boost vegetable production and contribute to improved nutrition, particularly among children and vulnerable groups.
Alhaji Imoro Yakubu Kakpagu, the Kumbungu District Chief Executive, who received the pumps on behalf of the MMDAs, thanked the government for the initiative and assured that the assemblies would ensure the equipment was used for its intended purpose to benefit farmers in the region.