The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has urged the government to prioritize community engagement in the construction of dams to ensure active collaboration from local residents. Emphasizing the importance of community ownership, the Association believes that involving community members in dam construction will foster a sense of responsibility and ensure the sustainability of such projects.
Dr. Joan Akandi Atulley, a Co-Researcher, emphasized the need for a re-engineering of dams under the One Village One Dam (1V1D) Initiative. Dr. Atulley suggested that excavating the reservoir area uniformly to the deepest depth with a gentle slope towards the edge would enhance the effectiveness of the dams. These remarks were made during the presentation of research findings on the state, impact, and sustainability of the Vunania and Gia reservoirs in the Kassena Nankana Municipal of the Upper East Region at the National Stakeholders Dialogue on Irrigation Development in Ghana, a forum organized by the PFAG.
The research, commissioned by PFAG and conducted as part of the Sustainable Employment through AgriBusiness (Agribiz) Project in Ghana, assessed the construction stages of the two dams and provided evidence-based recommendations for improved irrigation development. Dr. Atulley highlighted the necessity for a national coordinating mechanism to oversee policy efforts aimed at ensuring adherence to construction and management standards for community dams.
she further stressed the importance of implementing water management by-laws and involving community leadership in decision-making processes. Dr. Atulley recommended a compulsory post-construction analysis and evaluation before the handing over of projects to address any defects and ensure sustainability.
