Mahama joins Ethiopian PM to inaugurate Megech Dam project

President John Dramani Mahama has joined Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali to inaugurate the Megech Irrigation Development Project in Gondar, Ethiopia, as part of his official visit to the country.

President Mahama arrived in the historic city on Friday at the invitation of Dr 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 Ghanaian President joined the Prime Minister to switch on the dam-and-reservoir project, which is expected to boost agricultural production and improve water supply in the region.

The project, which was initiated 18 years ago, stalled until Dr Abiy revived it three years ago and oversaw its completion.

Covering 870 hectares and with a storage capacity of 185 million cubic metres, the Megech Dam is expected to support irrigation across 17,000 hectares of farmland, improving agricultural productivity and strengthening food security.

The facility will also provide a reliable supply of clean drinking 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 a major development expected to 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 deliberate on key peace, governance and security challenges facing the continent.