EDITORIAL: Will the Bui Dam Project Be a Reality?

THE INDUSTRIALISATION policy of the first President of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was the best in Sub Saharan Africa when Ghana gained independence in 1957.

His dream was to make Ghana a pace setter in terms of industrialisation in Africa, hence the construction of the Akosombo Dam. He also had the dream to construct another dam at Bui, a town near Wenchi in the Brong Ahafo Region.

Unfortunately, the American CIA inspired coup that toppled his government brought his industrialization programme to a halt thereby cutting short his dreams. Fortunately for us the NPP government has decided to pursue the construction of the Bui dam following the low water level at the Akosombo dam thus fulfilling the vision of the first president.

The Minister for Energy, Mr. Joseph Adda had already announced that the President of this nation, Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor, will on Friday, August 24th this year, cut the sod for work to begin on the 400 megawatts hydro project.

This shows the commitment of the government to solving the current energy crises but one may ask if government has taken into account series of advice given by some energy experts on the viability of the Project.

We are not experts but we will like to advice the government to tread cautiously to ensure that they get the best for Ghana.

This would also avoid future criticisms that the government failed to listen to advice from experts. We desperately need the Bui Dam, which has been estimated to cost about $620 million but the negative side should also be taken into consideration before arriving at the final decision.

The government decision is a laudable one but as we have argued, the views of the experts must be listened to.

It is our hope that Ghana would soon get out of this crisis to the benefit of all.