ACCRA: An agriculture expert has called on the incoming administration of John Dramani Mahama to prioritize the construction of the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam within its first year in office. The proposed dam is hailed as a transformative project that could boost food security, reduce poverty, and stimulate economic growth in Northern Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Edward Kareweh, Director of Publicity at the Centre for Development Research and Agro Innovations, emphasized the dam's potential to enhance agricultural productivity by mitigating the challenges posed by unpredictable rainfall and extended dry seasons. Mr. Kareweh stressed the urgency of commencing construction, which has been under consideration for several years, by stating, "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."
Mr. Kareweh described the dam as a game-changer for the northern region, allowing farmers to cultivate crops year-round rather than depending solely on erratic rainy seasons. He noted that inconsistent agricultural investment has left local farmers vulnerable to climate change-induced weather patterns, a challenge that the dam could help address while also creating jobs and attracting investment.
He further articulated that with the right policies and infrastructure, agriculture could become a key driver of Ghana's economy, with the Pwalugu Dam playing a critical role in this transformation. Despite the potential high costs of construction, Mr. Kareweh argued that the long-term benefits of the dam outweigh its initial expenses and urged the government to explore innovative financing solutions to secure the project's success.
In addition to the dam, Mr. Kareweh advocated for the establishment of smaller irrigation facilities across agricultural communities and called for action against illegal mining activities to ensure the availability of safe water for farming.
