Oti Regional Minister nominee targets irrigation, cocoa processing to boost regional economy

The Oti Regional Minister-designate, John Kwadwo Gyapong, has unveiled what he says is an ambitious vision to transform the region’s agricultural and economic landscape through irrigation and industrialisation.

Speaking during his vetting on Thursday, January 23, Mr. Gyapong emphasised the strategic advantages of the Oti Region, including the presence of the Oti River and the Volta Lake, which he plans to harness for large-scale irrigation projects.

“The Oti Region is endowed with the Oti River, and on the western side, we are bordered by the Volta Lake. With these two powerful water bodies, I see no reason why we cannot irrigate the entire region.

“With irrigation, we can motivate the youth to take up farming and stay in the region because there will be enterprises for them to work on,” he explained.

In addition to irrigation, Mr. Gyapong outlined plans to establish a cocoa processing industry in the region.

He lamented the lack of a cocoa processing factory between Tema and the Oti Region, despite Ghana’s position as a leading cocoa producer and Oti’s significant contribution to cocoa farming.

“I am going to bring on board a strategic partner to set up a cocoa processing factory. This will enable us to process cocoa locally, adding value to our produce and boosting the region’s economy. It will also create jobs for the youth, reducing rural-urban migration,” he noted.

The proposed initiatives, he noted, are expected to significantly improve the livelihoods of residents in the Oti Region, a predominantly agrarian area, and contribute to the broader economic development of Ghana.