The government intends to invest GH₵37 million in a water supply project that will provide clean water to 65,407 people across 13 communities in the Oti Region, while expanding agricultural development through a 7,200-hectare irrigation programme.

President John Dramani Mahama announced the plans during his “Thank You” tour at the Dambai College of Education on Friday, stating that the Damanko/Kpassa water system reconstruction has been prioritized as one of two major water projects for 2025, with completion expected within 18 months.

The government plans to replace damaged pumps, reconstruct intake and treatment units, and upgrade all leaking PVC pipes with durable HDPE pipes to ensure consistent water supply across the affected communities.

The 13 communities that will benefit include Damanko, Papaye, Damanko Badule, Jato Akura, Kabre Akura, Jatokprakpra, Sibi Central, Sibi-Badule, Sibi Hill Top, Chorkorsi Akura, Kantinka Akura, Tindani Akura, and Kpassa, the district capital.

“For far too long, the people of these communities have struggled with an inadequate water supply due to broken pumps and damaged pipelines,” the President said, explaining that the government has taken decisive action through the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA).

The President linked the water crisis to public health concerns, noting that Oti Region records one of the country’s highest incidences of typhoid fever despite being surrounded by freshwater.

“This is due to the absence of safe and treated water sources,” he explained, adding that the government has directed the Ghana Water Company Limited to establish an operational presence in the region and work with CWSA to design sustainable water systems for both urban and rural areas.

The government is considering Bonakye community for inclusion in Phase II of the Damanko-Kpassa Water Supply Project, following successful completion of Phase I, to address water quality concerns in the area.

On agricultural development, President Mahama announced that the government’s Irrigation for Wealth Programme (IWP) is already being implemented in the Oti Region, with 7,200 hectares of irrigated land being developed in Biakoye District and Krachi East Municipality.

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture is conducting feasibility studies and preparing for implementation of the irrigation project, which forms part of the government’s agricultural transformation agenda.

“I encourage the youth of Oti to position themselves to take advantage of this initiative.

“Agriculture is not a job of last resort—it is a business of first choice, and we are making it viable, productive, and rewarding,” he said. 

The combined water and agricultural initiatives represent part of the government’s broader “Water for All” initiative and reset agenda following the 2024 elections, where the Oti Region delivered 100% of its vote to the National Democratic Congress.

The President emphasized that the government’s interventions will address long-standing development challenges in the region while creating opportunities for economic growth and improved quality of life.

“As leaders, we must ensure that our citizens have access to clean water.

“I am confident that this intervention will significantly improve the quality of life in these communities,”he said. 

Richard Aniagyei, ISD