By Kafui Dey
The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, will launch the ambitious District Road Improvement Program (DRIP) at Independence Square on July 31, 2024. This program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, aims to address the critical issue of poor road conditions across the country’s 275 constituencies, identified by the National Security Ministry as a significant national security threat.
Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, detailed the initiative during a press briefing at the Ministry of Information Press Centre on Monday, July 29. Conceived in 2023 in collaboration with the District Assembly Common Fund, the DRIP was created in response to reports of road blockages by communities frustrated with inadequate road infrastructure.
In June 2024, essential equipment from China was delivered to support the program. Each district will receive a comprehensive set of machinery, including backhoes, water tankers, rollers, motor graders, tipper trucks, concrete mixers, and bulldozers, totaling 2,420 pieces. Minister Adjei-Korsah highlighted that this initiative is a significant improvement over past efforts, which provided only graders, by offering all necessary equipment for effective road maintenance.
Currently, 80 graders and 80 tipper trucks have arrived, with more equipment expected soon. The program’s launch will be followed by regional and district-level ceremonies to ensure comprehensive implementation. The project includes a two-year warranty provided by suppliers, covering mobile setup and servicing, with a stockpile of parts to support maintenance beyond the initial period.
To ensure the program’s success, a dedicated management team comprising MPs, District Chief Executives, the Ghana Armed Forces, and officials from urban and feeder roads offices will oversee operations. The initiative also encourages active citizen participation, utilising electronic tracking systems and bold markings on equipment to facilitate monitoring.
Addressing concerns about the program’s timing with elections only five months away, Hon. Adjei-Mensah Korsah affirmed that the initiative is driven by the urgent need to improve road infrastructure and not by electoral considerations.
The DRIP represents a critical step towards enhancing road conditions nationwide, aiming to make unpaved roads motorable and reduce bureaucratic delays in road maintenance interventions. The program’s implementation is poised to significantly impact local communities, improve accessibility, and address the national security issues linked to poor road conditions.
For further information, please contact the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development.
