Gov't to reassess 'one village, one dam' initiative - Upper East regional minister

The new government led by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) plans to revisit key projects from the previous administration. They will focus on the "One Village, One Dam" (1V1D) initiative, which faced many challenges.

Recently, Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri met with Northern Patriots in Research and Advocacy (NORPRA). NORPRA conducted a thorough evaluation of the 1V1D program. Their findings raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of the dams built under this initiative.

The 1V1D initiative aimed to boost food security and reduce poverty in Northern Ghana. Many residents rely on rain-fed agriculture for their livelihoods. Small-scale irrigation systems were intended to help farmers farm year-round. However, these projects have encountered significant setbacks.

NORPRA's evaluation found that the dams were poorly constructed. Many have failed to serve their intended purposes. During visits to project sites like Zanlerigu and Kunkua, community members expressed frustration over the situation.

By March of this year, many dams had dried up. This rendered them “completely useless” for irrigation purposes. Since 2024, NORPRA has monitored over 500 1V1D projects across Northern Ghana. Their findings show that many dams are not only poorly built but also in disrepair.

These results were shared with the NDC government to encourage action on the project’s shortcomings. Bismark Ayorogo, Executive Director of NORPRA, hopes the new government will improve conditions for dry-season irrigation.

Minister Donatus Akamugri assured the public that the NDC government would reassess the 1V1D initiative carefully. He emphasized their commitment to reviewing key projects from the previous administration and ensuring proper implementation for community benefit.