Accra: The Northern Patriots in Research and Advocacy (NORPRA), a civil society organisation, has called on the government to as matter of urgency hold people accountable for the implementation of the One Village One Dam (1V1D) policy. Speaking during a courtesy call on Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Bismark Adongo Ayorogo, Executive Director of NORPRA, raised concerns regarding poor implementation of the policy, saying it has failed to support agricultural activities.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ayorogo described the initiative, which was implemented by the previous government in its first term, as a drain on the public purse and called on the government to hold those who were in charge to account for the money spent on the policy. He stated, “We will like to use this opportunity to inform you that NORPRA has been doing assessments of the 1V1D projects and the Free Senior High School in Northern Ghana and has come to the sad conclusion that the 1V1D policy was a drain on the public purse.”
A recent tour by NORPRA revealed that none of the over 400 dams constructed under the 1V1D initiative contained water to support dry season crop farming, thereby failing to achieve objectives of increased agricultural productivity, improved food security, and job creation for the beneficiary communities. Despite the government’s average expenditure of GHS670,000.00 per dam, the policy failed to deliver its promises, lacking value for money.
He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, urging the government to recover the funds spent on the project as part of the fight against corruption and the resetting agenda. “Considering the fact that the 1V1D projects implemented by the previous administration was a total failure, we wish to urge government to consider prioritising increased public investment in renewable energy in the form of well-constructed dams and solar-powered mechanised boreholes to empower women in agriculture for agricultural-led transformation of Northern Ghana,” he said.
On the Free Senior High School policy, Mr. Ayorogo highlighted issues of perceived corruption, urging thorough investigation and accountability for procurement irregularities. He noted, “As a country, we also lost over GHS47 million and in Northern Ghana over GHS10 million was spent on procurement irregularities in the implementation of the Free Senior High School from 2017 to 2023. We need people to answer questions, if not, the fight against corruption, the fight to ensure that there is value for money will not be achieved.”
The Executive Director commended the government for maintaining the Northern Development Authority (NDA), indicating that it would enhance resource allocation for the region’s development. In response, Mr. Donatus Akamukri, the Regional Minister, praised NORPRA for their role in monitoring policies and holding governments accountable. He reiterated the government’s commitment to fighting corruption, highlighting the establishment of the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) initiative to ensure accountability and recovery of embezzled funds.
