By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah
Sakumono, Jan. 02, GNA – Mr. Edward Kareweh, Director of Publicity, Centre for Development Research and Agro Innovations, has appealed to the incoming John Dramani Mahama administration to begin work on the construction of the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam within its first year in office.
Mr. Kareweh described the dam as a transformative project for Northern Ghana and emphasised its potential to significantly improve food security, reduce poverty, and boost economic growth in the region.
He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that the project had been in the pipeline for several years, stressing that the dam could unlock the agricultural potential of the region, which faces challenges of unpredictable rainfall and prolonged dry seasons.
“The Pwalugu Dam should be on the top list of the government; whatever be the case, by the end of the year, they should start with the Pwalugu Dam and make sure that it is constructed within two or three years before the government leaves office,” he stated.
He again said the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam was not just a project but a game-changer for the entire northern part of Ghana, which could help farmers cultivate crops throughout the year, instead of relying solely on the rainy season, which is often unreliable.
Mr. Kareweh noted that the lack of consistent investment in agriculture had left farmers in Northern Ghana struggling to cope with erratic weather patterns caused by climate change, adding that the construction of the dam would not only address these challenges but also create jobs and attract investors to the region.
“With the right policies and infrastructure in place, agriculture can become a major driver of Ghana’s economy; the Pwalugu Dam will be a critical part of this transformation,” he stated.
Mr. Kareweh noted that the dam’s long-term benefits far outweigh its construction costs and appealed to the government to explore innovative financing options to ensure the project’s success.
He also called for smaller irrigation facilities at the various agricultural communities, adding that illegal mining sites must also be dealt with to ensure safer water for farming activities.
GNA