The Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Development Authority (NDA), Dr. Emmanuel Abeere-Inga, has announced that 20 per cent of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) has been allocated to completing abandoned NDA projects across Northern Ghana.
Dr. Abeere-Inga said the intervention, which has received the backing of the Ministry of Finance, is aimed at reviving critical infrastructure projects initiated under previous administrations but left uncompleted.
Speaking on A1 Radio during discussions on a recent development initiative organised by the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, he explained that the funding arrangement would help reduce infrastructure deficits, particularly in the water sector, where many communities continue to struggle with access to potable water.
He noted that several NDA-funded community-based mechanised solar water systems and boreholes were abandoned after contractors failed to complete the projects, leaving thousands of residents without reliable water supplies.
Reports indicate that water infrastructure projects under the NDA were rolled out in two phases, beginning in March 2018 and April 2020.
While contracts worth approximately GH¢61.8 million were awarded for water projects across Northern Ghana, more than GH¢24.3 million was reportedly paid to contractors before many of the projects stalled.
In the Upper East Region, the Bolgatanga Municipality, Bongo District, and Bolgatanga East District were among the worst affected.
A single contractor, Shawud Co. Ltd., reportedly secured contracts for 18 water projects but completed only a handful, leaving numerous communities with unfinished concrete structures and no functioning water systems.
To improve accountability and fast-track completion, Dr. Abeere-Inga disclosed that oversight of the outstanding projects has been transferred to the respective District Assemblies.
He expressed confidence that the dedicated 20 per cent DACF allocation would enable local authorities to complete the abandoned projects, restore essential services, and ensure value for public investment.
The move is expected to bring relief to affected communities while strengthening efforts to address long-standing infrastructure challenges across Northern Ghana.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
