The Northern Patriots in Research and Advocacy (NORPRA) has raised concerns over alleged financial losses totaling GH₵57 million, with GH₵47 million attributed to the failed One Village, One Dam policy.
The group also claims GH₵10 million was lost due to procurement irregularities in the implementation of the Free SHS programme in Northern Ghana.
NORPRA’s recent inspection of the One Village, One Dam initiative across the five regions of Northern Ghana revealed a dismal outcome, with none of the over 400 dams capable of holding water for dry-season farming.
The group’s Executive Director is now calling for a full accountability probe into the project’s implementation.
“As an organization, we have been engaged in various activities, including monitoring, tracking, and assessing government pro-poor policies. We want to inform you that in 2023-2024, we conducted an assessment, tracking, and monitoring of the previous administration’s One Village, One Dam policy. We have found that the millions of Ghana cedis spent on constructing these dams amounted to nothing but a total drain on the public purse,” Ayorogo Adongo lamented.
Ayorogo Adongo also raised concerns about alleged corruption within the Free SHS programme in Northern Ghana, urging a thorough investigation and accountability for those found culpable.
“We urge the government, in the spirit of transparency and accountability, to call on all individuals responsible for implementing these policies to account to the good people of this country for how taxpayers’ money was used. Today, if you travel across all five regions in Northern Ghana, you will not see any water in these dams despite the huge sums spent on digging them. All of them are dry,” he added.
In response, while encouraging other religious and civic groups to support the NDC government’s resetting agenda, Akamugri acknowledged NORPRA’s concerns and assured them of the government’s commitment to transparency and development in Northern Ghana.
“All the pro-poor policies we are introducing will strictly adhere to policy guidelines, ensuring that whatever is due to the citizenry reaches them. All resources must be channeled through the appropriate avenues. Regarding procurement, the laws will be properly applied. I take your advice in good faith,” Akamugri stated.
During the engagement, NORPRA also briefed the Regional Minister on its initiative to support 600 women in setting up an agro-processing centre in Bolgatanga, aimed at producing high-quality products for both local and international markets.
Source | GBCghanaonline
