Government Must Prioritise Construction Of The Pwalugu Multi Purpose Dam

Despite the infrastructure demands facing our country, the current administration has shown sound judgment by including the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam project in the 2026 Big Push Financing Programme. The President has recently reaffirmed the government's determination to finally break ground on this project, which has remained on the drawing board since the 1990s.

The decision to phase the project allows for a realistic appraisal of funding and diligent execution. The initial focus on hydropower is crucial, as the success of subsequent phases depends on power availability.

By combining hydro and solar energy, the government is choosing a sustainable path to generate an estimated 100 megawatts of electricity.

Furthermore, the dam will provide vital containment for excess water from Burkina Faso’s Bagre Dam, preventing the perennial flooding that devastates downstream livelihoods.

The second phase, centered on irrigation, is equally essential. With the capacity to irrigate 25,000 hectares of arable land and provide potable water, this project can significantly enhance food security and public health.

Given that 12.5% of our population faced food insecurity in late 2025, and with the recent $3 billion spent on maize imports, the urgency of this irrigation component cannot be overstated. We must reduce our reliance on neighboring countries for staples like rice, millet, and vegetables.

The multi-faceted nature of this project will support large-scale mechanized farming, revive the Pwalugu Tomato Factory, and bolster industries such as cotton, starch, and vegetable oil. By collaborating with technical institutions like the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), the University for Development Studies, and the Millar Institute, we can ensure that tested research is finally put into practice.

Beyond agriculture, the project will be a significant engine for job creation and technical training, encouraging local expertise and reducing the need for migration to the south. Reliable power and water will also attract public officials and private investment to the Upper and North-East regions.

While there are legitimate calls for accountability regarding previous expenditures on this project, these investigations must not stymie its immediate resumption. The Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam is a critical pillar for the "Resetting Agenda" and a necessity for our national development. The government is urged to treat this project with the highest sense of urgency.

William K. Asiedu
[email protected]