Construction on the single largest government-led investment project in northern Ghana is under way.

The Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam project, which will provide reliable and stable electricity supply to the national grid upon completion, is being built at a cost of US$993 million, as reported by the Volta River Authority. The dam is the largest government investment into infrastructure expansion in the country’s north since Ghana gained independence in 1957. Construction is expected to be completed in four years.

The hybrid hydro-solar system will consist of 60 MW hydro power and 50 MW solar power, and will have a maximum reservoir area of 350 km² and a full-supply level of 165m. The hybrid technology is meant to ensure stable electricity supply to the national grid.

In addition, the project will operate a 25 000 ha irrigation scheme, improve water supply to the northern parts of the country, control perennial flooding caused by heavy rains and manage spillage from the Bagre Dam in the White Volta Basin in neighbouring Burkina Faso.

10 December 2019
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