Investigate Pwalugu multi-purpose dam project – PFAG urges President Mahama
The PFAG wants President Mahama to use his anti-corruption Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) to investigate the stalled $993 million project to ensure accountability.
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has urged President John Dramani Mahama to carry out an audit of the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam project and ensure all illegal funds are recovered and returned to the state.
The PFAG wants President Mahama to use his anti-corruption Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) to investigate the stalled $993 million project to ensure accountability.
The Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam project, started by the erstwhile Akufo-Addo government, was aimed at tackling the perennial flooding in the Upper East and North East Regions by storing excess rain water for Agricultural activities.
It was also expected to include an hydro-electric power generation component to added volts to the country’s national grid.
But after a colourful sod cutting in 2019, the project stalled with no physical development on the ground. The government could not complete it before leaving office, despite splashing nearly $12 million on ground works.
In statement congratulating President Mahama, the PFAG said proper implementation of the dam project would have helped the country to address climate change issues and grow the country’s agricultural GDP by nearly 30%.
The PFAG expressed concerns that the dam project was used as an avenue for extortion by the previous, necessary a thorough audit to ensure accountability.
“The Pwalugu multi-purpose dam has the potential to address climate change issues and provide an additional 20% to 30% of agricultural GDP when properly implemented. However, the dam has been used as an avenue for extortion by the previous regime without accountability,”
“Recognizing that an audit of the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam is part of your agenda to ensure accountability under the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), we urge you to ensure that any illegal funds are recovered and returned to the state,” The statement signed by its national president Wepia Awal Adugwala, said.
The PFAG also urged President Mahama to prioritize the project by making budgetary allocation for work to commence within his first 120 days.
On illegal mining, the PFAG urged the President to uphold the Presidential pact signed against illegal mining, and ensure that all forms of mining in forests, farmlands and river bodies are prohibited.
“The development of a land reclamation plan for all damaged farmlands should be an urgent priority,”
The PFAG expressed hope in the leadership of President Mahama in helping to realize the full potential of small holder farmers and the agricultural sector of the country through effective governance.
“We are hopeful that under your leadership, the full potential of smallholder farmers and the agricultural sector will be realized. We look forward to a governance style that is effective, truthful, inclusive, and efficient. Once again, congratulations, and may the Good Lord guide your steps,”
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