From The Rio Times · Samuel Ncube · · 2m
Northern Ghana Water Gets US$363M Package
Ghana secures EUR 323m for northern water projects after EU meeting.
In brief
Ghana secures EUR 323m for northern water projects after EU meeting. Ghana received EUR 323 million (US$363 million) for water and sanitation in northern Ghana from the European Investment Bank, European Commission, and Invest International. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Ghana Announces Water Funding
Ghana’s Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson announced a EUR 323 million (US$363 million) package for northern Ghana water and sanitation on Friday, 16 October 2026.
Why Water Shortages Matter
Tamale receives 35,000 to 38,000 cubic meters of water daily against a demand of 90,000 to 95,000 cubic meters.
Funding Breakdown
The European Investment Bank provides EUR 225 million (US$253 million), the European Commission gives EUR 68 million (US$76 million), and Invest International adds EUR 30 million (US$34 million).
Who Provides the Funds
The European Investment Bank is the EU’s lending arm, the European Commission is the EU executive, and Invest International is a Dutch government initiative.
Project Scope
The project includes water supply upgrades in Tamale and Damongo and a faecal sludge treatment facility in Yendi.
Current Water Challenges
Tamale’s water system dates to 1972 with one major expansion in 2008, and only two of five pumps at the Dalun treatment plant work.
Funding Shifts
President John Mahama withdrew a EUR 277 million facility in April, and the current package lists EUR 68 million from the European Commission instead of EUR 106 million.
What’s Next
The European Investment Bank’s board approval and signature of the loan are pending, with no construction start date announced.
US Impact
US travelers, aid groups, and companies in Tamale may see improved water supply over time, but no timetable exists.
Project Status
The project page lists 1,349,000 people in Greater Tamale and 105,000 in Damongo as beneficiaries, with status under appraisal as of 22 April 2026.
Terms Unclear
The exact terms of the EUR 225 million facility, including interest and repayment, have not been published.
No Construction Start Date
No construction start date has been announced, and environmental consultations must finish before work begins.
The takeaway
Ghana received EUR 323 million (US$363 million) for water and sanitation in northern Ghana from the European Investment Bank, European Commission, and Invest International.
