The National Irrigation Policy was formulated in response to Ghana’s historically low and inconsistent irrigation development despite significant agricultural potential. As noted in the policy foreword and Chapter 1, irrigation development had been largely ad hoc, constrained by unclear institutional mandates, weak service delivery, poor cost recovery, limited private sector participation, and environmental concerns. Low agricultural productivity, heavy reliance on rain-fed farming, rising food imports, and climate variability further underscored the need for a comprehensive irrigation policy framework.

The goal of the policy is to achieve sustainable growth and enhanced performance of irrigation, contributing fully to national agricultural development objectives. The policy seeks to improve food security, diversify agricultural production, expand livelihood opportunities, and optimise natural resource use. Four major policy thrusts guide implementation: 1. Performance and Growth – increasing productivity of existing irrigation assets and developing new irrigation areas through coordinated public-private investment. 2. Socio-Economic Inclusion – addressing land tenure, gender inequities, and access barriers to ensure inclusive participation, particularly for women and smallholders. 3. Responsible Production – strengthening environmental management, improving water use efficiency, and safeguarding human health. 4. Enhanced Services – reforming institutions, strengthening GIDA’s mandate, improving cost recovery, and delivering demand-driven irrigation support services.

Strategically, the policy proposes development of a National Irrigation Development Master Plan (NIDMAP) and targets the expansion of irrigation to approximately 500,000 hectares in the medium to long term . It emphasizes decentralisation, participatory management through Water User Associations, public-private partnerships, regulatory reform (including revision of LI 1350 and amendments to SMCD 85), and strengthened collaboration with WRC, EPA, local government authorities, and financial institutions. Implementation is coordinated by MoFA through a restructured and strengthened GIDA, with defined roles for regulatory bodies, local governments, development partners, research institutions, and private investors. Through this framework, the policy aims to modernize Ghana’s irrigation sub-sector, enhance agricultural resilience to climate change, and stimulate inclusive agricultural growth.

Implementation is coordinated by MoFA through a restructured and strengthened GIDA, with defined roles for regulatory bodies, local governments, development partners, research institutions, and private investors. Through this framework, the policy aims to modernise Ghana’s irrigation sub-sector, enhance agricultural resilience to climate change, and stimulate inclusive agricultural growth.