The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has disclosed that the contractor awarded the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam project was not paid for work done, contrary to earlier allegations circulating in the public domain.
The Minister made this known when he appeared before Parliament’s Government Assurances Committee, where he provided an update on the status of the controversial project, which has been under public scrutiny in recent months.
No Payment Made to Contractor
According to the Minister, preliminary investigations conducted by his Ministry indicate that no financial payment was made to the contractor for the execution of the project. This revelation contradicts earlier claims that about $11.9 million had been paid to the contractor despite little or no work done on the ground.
He explained that based on the findings so far, the matter has been referred to the Office of the Attorney General for further investigation and possible prosecution if any wrongdoing is established.
He noted, however, that the situation has been complicated by the fact that the contractor has since left Ghana.
According to him, the Attorney General is now best placed to handle the legal aspects of the case moving forward.
Project Surrounded by Controversy
The Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam project was envisioned as a major infrastructure project expected to support irrigation, flood control, and power generation, particularly in northern Ghana. However, the project has faced delays and controversy since its announcement.
Over the past months, questions surrounding procurement processes, funding arrangements, and project execution have dominated public discussions about the project.
Earlier reports had alleged that the contractor responsible for the project had been paid millions of dollars without delivering the agreed scope of work. However, the latest disclosure by the Energy Minister introduces a new dimension to the issue, suggesting that the earlier narrative may not accurately reflect the actual financial transactions related to the project.
Contractor’s Exit Complicates Investigation
The Minister further explained that the contractor’s departure from Ghana presents an additional challenge in resolving the matter quickly, especially if investigations lead to legal action.
He assured the Committee that the Ministry is cooperating fully with relevant state institutions to ensure that the matter is properly investigated and that any wrongdoing, if established, is dealt with according to the law.
The Pwalugu Dam project remains an important national project due to its expected impact on agriculture, energy, and flood control, and many stakeholders continue to call for clarity and accountability regarding its status and future.