President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Attorney General to recover all misappropriated funds linked to the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam project, which was initiated under the Akufo-Addo administration.
Expressing outrage over the payment of $12 million to a contractor despite minimal progress on the project since its commencement in November 2019, President Mahama described the abandoned site as a “crime scene” and vowed that those responsible would face justice.
As part of his broader anti-corruption initiative, Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), the President is committed to reclaiming lost state funds and ensuring accountability in public projects.
Speaking to chiefs and residents of the Upper East Region, he reaffirmed his determination to complete stalled projects in the area. He emphasized that the Pwalugu Dam was intended to boost agriculture and economic development, not serve as an opportunity for financial mismanagement.
In 2024, the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) defended the payment of $11.9 million to the contractor, stating that it was for mobilization rather than completed work. However, President Mahama remains unconvinced, insisting that the misappropriated funds be retrieved.
Additionally, he has tasked the Finance Minister with making the necessary arrangements to restart the project, ensuring that it fulfills its intended purpose for national development.
