By Ashiadey Dotse
The Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister, has promised to focus on the continuation and success of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) if Parliament confirms his appointment.
Speaking before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Mr. Ibrahim highlighted the importance of the DRIP initiative, which was introduced during President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration. The programme aims to improve district road networks, making transportation easier and boosting economic activities in rural and peri-urban areas.
Mr. Ibrahim assured the Committee that he would ensure the significant investment in the programme is not wasted. He emphasized the need to make full use of the resources and equipment already purchased for DRIP, saying proper systems, monitoring, and agreements are crucial for its success.
“The machines were procured to improve untarred district roads, and a lot of money was spent. We cannot allow such an investment to go to waste,” he stated. “Whether we like it or not, the machines must be put to good use. Proper structures must be in place to ensure the project delivers its intended benefits.”
The DRIP initiative was launched to tackle the poor state of many roads in Ghana, which hampers the movement of goods and people and affects local development. However, the programme has faced challenges, including delays and issues with resource management.
Mr. Ibrahim reiterated his commitment to addressing these challenges, adding that improving district roads is essential for bridging the infrastructure gap and supporting local economic growth.
