President John Dramani Mahama has joined Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali to commission the Megech Irrigation Development Project in Gondar, Ethiopia, during an official visit to the country.

President Mahama arrived in the historic city of Gondar on Friday at the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, ahead of the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa, scheduled to take place in Bahir Dar.

Shortly after arriving at Gondar Airport, the two leaders switched on the Megech Irrigation Development Project, a major dam and reservoir infrastructure expected to boost agricultural production and improve water supply in the region.

The project, which began 18 years ago, stalled before Prime Minister Abiy revived it three years ago and oversaw its completion.

The dam spans 870 hectares and has a storage capacity of 185 million cubic metres. It is expected to support irrigation across 17,000 hectares of farmland, helping to increase agricultural productivity and strengthen food security.

The facility will also provide a reliable supply of potable water to Gondar and its surrounding satellite towns.

President Mahama commended the Ethiopian government and people for their resilience and commitment to completing the project, describing it as an important investment that will benefit generations to come.

On Saturday, President Mahama is expected to travel to Bahir Dar to chair the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa.

The forum will bring together African leaders, policymakers and security experts to discuss key peace, governance and security challenges facing the continent.