The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has categorically refuted circulating claims on social media alleging that he stated the contractor for the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam project has not been remunerated. The controversy emerged after various news cards suggested a contradiction with his prior remarks indicating that the contractor had received substantial payments without executing any corresponding work.
In a formal statement issued on Tuesday, March 24, Dr. Jinapor described the reports as “entirely false, misleading, and a gross misrepresentation” of his official testimony before Parliament’s Government Assurances Committee. He emphasized that his comments, delivered during a live broadcasted session, clearly indicated that while payments had indeed been made to the contractor, the firm subsequently absconded with the funds without fulfilling its contractual obligations.
“My attention has been drawn to a publication circulating on some social media handles… which has been falsely attributed to remarks I allegedly made during my appearance before the Government Assurances Committee of Parliament,” the minister clarified. “I wish to state, in the clearest possible terms, that this publication is entirely false, misleading, and a gross misrepresentation of the facts.”
Dr. Jinapor further noted that the situation is subject to formal investigation and has been referred to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice for legal advice and potential prosecution, underscoring the government’s commitment to accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
He also urged the public, as well as media practitioners, to verify information through credible channels before dissemination, warning that deliberate misrepresentation of facts not only misleads citizens but also undermines confidence in the governance and management of nationally significant projects. “The attempt to distort these facts is not only unfortunate but also undermines public discourse and confidence in the management of critical national issues,” he stated.
The Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam, a $1 billion infrastructural initiative located in Northern Ghana, is designed to integrate irrigation, a 60 megawatt hydropower plant, a 50 megawatt solar component, and potable water provision for surrounding communities. Conceived in 2019, the project aims to establish Ghana’s largest irrigation scheme, covering approximately 25,000 hectares. However, progress has stalled, with reports indicating that the contractor has vacated the site, contributing to delays in the realisation of the dam’s full economic and social potential.
Dr. Jinapor’s statement reinforces the government’s position that while financial disbursements have occurred in accordance with contractual terms, the project’s current impediments are a consequence of the contractor’s failure to execute the agreed work, rather than a lack of funding or ministerial oversight. The case remains under official review as authorities consider legal recourse and mechanisms to ensure project completion.
