There is a reliable dedicated funding source for the Tamale-Damongo water project – GWL MD assures stakeholders in savannah region
The Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Adam Mutawakilu, has assured chiefs, community leaders and other stakeholders in the Savannah Region that there is a reliable and dedicated source of funding for the implementation of the Tamale–Damongo Water Supply Project.
The assurance was given during a series of stakeholder consultations aimed at officially informing regional authorities, traditional leaders and communities about the project and seeking their support for its successful implementation.
According to GWL, the consultations form part of efforts to ensure smooth execution of the project, which is expected to improve access to potable water for communities across the Savannah Region.
Leading a delegation from Ghana Water Limited, Mr. Mutawakilu paid a courtesy call on the Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Be-Awuribe, at the Regional Coordinating Council to brief him on progress made so far ahead of the commencement of work. The team also visited several traditional authorities, including the Overlord of Gonjaland, the Yagbonwura, as well as the Busunuwura, Kusuaguwura and the Yapeiwura, to discuss the project’s implementation.
The consultations also focused on issues relating to environmental and social impact assessments, acquisition of the right of way, and compensation for affected persons to prevent delays during construction.
Addressing stakeholders at the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council and later at the Yagbonwura’s Palace, Mr. Mutawakilu disclosed that the Ministry of Finance had secured substantial funding for the project.
Ghana Water Limited MD, Hon. Adam Mutawakilu
He explained that the Ministry has signed a grant agreement worth 106 million euros with the European Union, the European Investment Bank and Invest International. He added that the remaining 312 million euros loan facility are expected to be concluded between September and October this year to pave the way for the commencement of the project.
“The Ministry of Finance has signed a grant of 106 million euros with the European Union, European Investment Bank and Invest International. The remaining 312 million euros loan agreement will be signed between September and October to enable the project to start,” Mr. Mutawakilu stated.
He indicated that the project is expected to be completed within two years and, upon completion, will produce approximately 135,000 cubic metres of water per day, enough to meet the water needs of both Tamale and Damongo.
Mr. Mutawakilu emphasized the importance of prompt compensation for persons affected by the project, noting that government is determined to avoid delays that could arise from compensation-related disputes.
“We all know that without the payment of compensation to project-affected persons, the smooth flow of work by the contractor could be impeded. President John Mahama does not want a situation where work starts and later stalls because people have not been compensated,” he said.
He further revealed that GWL has already secured commitment authorization from the Ministry of Finance for the Damongo component of the project since April 2026.
Replacement of Aging Infrastructure
Touching on efforts to improve water supply in Tamale and surrounding communities, the GWL Managing Director disclosed that a contract has been signed for the replacement of old pumps and motors at the Dalun Water Treatment Plant.
He explained that replacing aging pipelines is equally important because the installation of new pumps and motors would increase water pressure, which could cause old pipes to burst if they are not replaced.
Mr. Mutawakilu assured stakeholders that all contracts under the project would be awarded through competitive procurement processes rather than sole-sourcing arrangements.
“All contracts related to the project will go through competitive bidding, and the process for selecting contractors will be made public to ensure transparency and value for money,” he stressed.
Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Salisu Be-Awuribe
For his part, the Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Be-Awuribe, reaffirmed the region’s commitment to supporting the project and ensuring its successful implementation.
He noted that residents of the Savannah Region highly value the project and are eager to see it completed to address longstanding challenges in accessing potable water.
“We have a lot of water resources, yet many of our people continue to struggle to access safe drinking water. The people of the Savannah Region are looking forward to the speedy completion of this project,” the Minister stated.
The Tamale–Damongo Water Supply Project is expected to become one of the largest water infrastructure projects in northern Ghana, providing a sustainable and reliable water supply to thousands of residents in the Savannah and Northern Regions.
