Dawhenya solar project launched to boost rice production, green jobs

Ghana has launched a USD5 million, 1MW solar power project at Dawhenya in the Greater Accra Region to power irrigation systems, enhance rice production, tackle food inflation and create green jobs, while deepening agricultural and energy cooperation with South Korea.

The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, cut the sod for the project, which is being funded by the Korean Government under the Water-Energy-Food Nexus Project (WEFP).

The initiative is being implemented by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition in partnership with the Korean Association of Machinery Industry (KOAMI), the Ministry of Finance, Energy Commission, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA).

Mr Jinapor described the project as “a foundation for innovation, sustainability and prosperity for generations,” noting that it addresses two of Ghana’s most pressing challenges: energy transition and food security.

“Without clean, affordable and reliable energy, irrigation systems cannot function; without water, we cannot grow food; and without food, our people cannot thrive,” he stated.

The solar facility is expected to supply reliable power for irrigation, reduce dependence on diesel generators and improve rice yields in Dawhenya.

It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with Ghana’s climate commitments, while generating green jobs for women and young people along the agricultural value chain.

Scheduled for completion within 12 months, the project includes capacity-building support for ministry staff in operations and management to ensure sustainability.

Highlighting Ghana’s dependence on rain-fed agriculture, Mr Jinapor lamented that only three per cent of the country’s cultivated land is irrigated, despite having an irrigation potential of nearly 1.9 million hectares.

“South Korea had irrigated over one million hectares as far back as 2009, while Ghana continues to rely largely on rainfall. This must change,” he said.

The minister further linked the initiative to government’s strategy to fight food inflation, which contributed significantly to the overall 23.8 per cent inflation rate in 2024, with steep increases recorded in staples such as rice, yam and tomato.

Government’s irrigation plan seeks to bring more than one million hectares of land under irrigation within five years, beginning with the deployment of 400 solar-powered pumps in 2026 and scaling up to 3,500 pumps by 2028 to cover about 400,000 hectares.

Representing the Korean Government, Kim Hyunjoo, Second Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, said the project links Ghana’s Feed Ghana programme to Korea’s K-Rice Belt initiative, describing it as “a new chapter in agricultural innovation and diplomacy.”

She commended the collaboration between Ghanaian agencies and Korean partners, including KIAT, KOAMI, KOPIA and the Korea Rural Community Corporation.

On his part, Kyu Young Hwang, President and CEO of Kunhwa Engineering and Consulting Co. Ltd, expressed pride in being part of the milestone.

He revealed that after resolving design challenges since 2023, his firm had worked closely with Ghanaian agencies to finalise the design phase in 2024, clearing the way for construction.

Mr Jinapor urged farmers and residents of Dawhenya to protect the facility and reclaim encroached irrigation lands to increase food production.

 He also disclosed that his Ministry is working with the Ministry of Finance to secure tax exemptions on imported materials and equipment to facilitate implementation.

“This is not just about electricity. It is about food on the table, jobs for our youth and climate-smart farming for a resilient future,” he added.