JOINT TECHNICAL TEAM CONDUCTS SITE VISIT TO TACKLE ENCROACHMENTS ON ASHAIMAN IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT LAND

A joint technical team from the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly (ASHMA) and the Ghana Irrigation Authority (GIDA) visited the Ashaiman Irrigation Scheme to assess encroachments obstructing key irrigation infrastructure.

Comprising engineers, planners, and legal experts from both organizations, the team inspected unauthorized structures, including poultry farms, residential buildings, and agricultural installations, built on designated irrigation canals and irrigable land. These encroachments have disrupted construction activities, especially along the right bank canal managed by FRIDOUG Construction Limited, delaying critical efforts to enhance local agricultural productivity.

Co-chaired by Ing. Emmanuel Acquah of GIDA and Nana Efua B. Ackah of ASHMA, the committee engaged directly with encroachers, identifying obstacles blocking canal alignment and water flow. The team recommended urgent voluntary removal of unauthorized buildings and equipment by July 21, 2025, to ensure uninterrupted progress.

The Assembly also pledged continued dialogue with affected landowners, including Mr. Kodi and Mr. Farouk, to negotiate relocations or potential design adjustments, particularly where land had been officially allocated to private interests.

This collaborative intervention highlights ASHMA and GIDA’s commitment to enforcing land use regulations and protecting public assets. By addressing encroachments firmly and ensuring compliance with legal frameworks, the partnership aims to accelerate completion of the irrigation canal project—vital for effective water resource management, food security, and improved livelihoods in Ashaiman. Follow-up visits are planned to monitor compliance and reinforce a coordinated approach toward sustainable agricultural development and infrastructure resilience.