Accra: The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has distributed 900 water pumping machines, previously confiscated from illegal mining sites, to farmers across nine regions in a strategic move to bolster the government's 'Feed Ghana Programme.' This initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food security.

According to Ghana News Agency, the distribution follows a court ruling that directed the seized machines be handed over to MoFA. The ministry is tasked with utilizing these resources to benefit the agricultural sector and support the wider population. During a ceremony at the Agricultural Extension Service Directorate on Amrahia Dairy Farm Street, Mr. Eric Opoku, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, emphasized the government's strategy of repurposing resources from illicit activities into beneficial assets.

Mr. Opoku announced that each of the nine beneficiary regions-Oti, Upper East, Upper West, North East, Savannah, Northern, Greater Accra, Volta, and Bono East-would receive 100 water pumps. These would be allocated to farmers by the respective Regional Ministers, ensuring that the equipment reaches its intended recipients.

The minister highlighted that the selection of the nine regions was deliberate, aimed at preventing the machines from being redirected back to illegal mining activities. Farmers are being encouraged to form community-based cooperatives, supervised by Regional Ministers and Directors of Agriculture, to ensure fair distribution and effective utilization.

Assuring the safety of the machines, Mr. Opoku stated that technical experts had inspected all pumps, confirming they were free from contamination by chemicals used in galamsey operations. He noted that the equipment is safe for agricultural use and would not pose any difficulties for the farmers.

Representing the Regional Ministers, Mr. Ali Adolf John, the Northern Regional Minister, praised President John Dramani Mahama and MoFA for their commitment to combating illegal mining while promoting food security. He assured that the beneficiary regions would closely monitor the use of the pumps to ensure they fulfill their intended purpose.

Mr. Ali urged farmers to utilize the machines effectively, particularly to boost food production during the dry season, emphasizing the importance of using the equipment productively rather than for galamsey activities.