Pwalugu Dam Contractor Received No Payment

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has revealed that the contractor engaged for the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam project did not receive any payment for work carried out, countering earlier claims that millions of dollars had been disbursed without tangible progress.

Speaking before Parliament’s Government Assurances Committee, Mr. Jinapor provided clarity on the status of the controversial project, which has been under close public scrutiny in recent months. He explained that preliminary investigations conducted by his Ministry indicate no financial disbursement was made to the contractor, contradicting earlier reports that a sum of $11.9 million had been paid despite little or no work on the ground.

“Our preliminary investigations indicate that no payments were made to the contractor. The matter has therefore been referred to the Attorney General for detailed investigation and potential prosecution,” Mr. Jinapor told the Committee.

The Minister expressed concern over the reported departure of the contractor from Ghana, describing it as a challenge to ensuring accountability. He noted that the Attorney General’s office is well placed to manage the matter and pursue legal action where necessary.

The Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam project was envisioned as a key infrastructure initiative to support irrigation, improve flood control, and generate hydroelectric power, contributing significantly to the development of northern Ghana. Despite its strategic importance, the project has faced delays and controversy, raising questions about procurement processes, funding arrangements, and overall project execution.

Public debate intensified following allegations that the contractor had received $11.9 million without fulfilling the project’s contractual obligations. The Minister’s disclosure now challenges this narrative, suggesting that prior reports may not accurately reflect the financial transactions tied to the dam.

Mr. Jinapor assured the Committee that the government remains committed to transparency and accountability in managing the project. He emphasized that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure that the issue is fully investigated and that appropriate actions are taken to protect public resources.

The latest developments underscore the complexity of executing large-scale infrastructure projects in Ghana and highlight the importance of rigorous oversight to prevent misinformation and ensure that projects of national importance are delivered effectively.