The Ghanaian Minaret

Manwe, Upper West: The rains have finally descended on some communities in the Upper West region, offering a glimmer of hope for the region’s agricultural prospects.

This comes after two weeks of dry weather during the peak of the rainy season, which had left crops wilting and farmers in despair amid fears of a potential food shortage and aggravated poverty.

The situation had forced the Muslim community in Manwe and Kpongu, small farming communities in the Wa East District, to hold the special rain prayer known as salat al Istisqa on Sunday morning to beseech Allah for the needed rain to save their livelihoods.

As the showers fell and the skies were still pregnant with promising clouds, a collective sigh of relief echoed across the land, reassuring farmers and bringing solace to the people.

Farmers across the region have expressed renewed hope that the rains will continue, allowing them to salvage their crops and secure a decent harvest.

The arrival of the rain has lifted the spirits of the people, who had been anxiously watching the skies for any sign of moisture.

The significance of the rains cannot be overstated, as agriculture is the backbone of the Upper West Region’s economy, and a failed farming season would have had devastating consequences, not only leading to food insecurity but also exacerbating the poverty levels in the region.

Meanwhile, the Upper West Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Osman Mahama Kanihi, on Sunday announced to lead another Istisqa prayer this Monday in the region’s quest to seek divine intervention to ensure that the rains do not cease prematurely.

The hope is that this marks the beginning of a more consistent and sufficient rainy season, enabling farmers to plant and harvest successfully.

The prompt response to the prayers has sparked discussions among residents about the power of faith and collective supplication, as many see the rain as a sign of hope and a reminder of the importance of unity and reliance on a higher power in times of crisis.

As the region rejoices in the arrival of the rain, attention now shifts to the future as the people are cautiously optimistic, praying that this rainfall marks the end of the dry spell and the continuation of a fruitful farming season.

In a related development, the Wa Municipal Director of the Department of Agriculture, Mr. Frederick Vuozie Doma, advised farmers to shift their attention towards planting early-maturing crops when the rains resume so as not to be hit by the dry season when crops still require rain.

Source: Aminu Ibrahim