The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana has voiced its alarm over the payment of approximately $12 million to a contractor for the Pwalugu Dam project in the Upper East Region, despite no visible progress on the construction.
In November 2019, President Akufo-Addo initiated the construction of the dam, which was intended to support year-round farming and was slated for completion within 50 months.
Charles Nyaaba, President of the Association, expressed the members’ astonishment at the situation.
“All this time, we were unaware that such a substantial amount had already been disbursed for the construction. $11.9 million is a significant sum. When the report surfaced, I couldn’t sleep. As we speak, most of our members are restless.”
Edward Bawa, the Member of Parliament for Bongo, has called for the prosecution of those responsible for the alleged misappropriation of funds.
“We are questioning the use of the $12 million. We are not receiving any satisfactory answers, which prompted us to visit the site and observe the situation firsthand, only to discover that no work had been done. It is incumbent upon the government to ensure these funds are recovered.
“If $12 million has been spent with nothing to show for it, it indicates a crime that needs investigation. Those involved must face the full extent of the law.”