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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo today launched the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) and turned on vital equipment at Black Star Square, marking a major step towards strengthening Ghana’s infrastructure.
A major step forward in the government’s continuous attempts to decentralize development and raise Ghanaians’ standard of living, the event is intended to strengthen the nation’s road networks.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized in his speech the vital role that road infrastructure plays in social and economic development. He said, “Roads connect communities, facilitate trade, enable access to healthcare and education, and ultimately improve the citizenry’s quality of life.”
The President admitted that despite recent major improvements, many district roads are still in bad shape, which hinders growth and economic activity.
The DRIP’s goal is to provide Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with the tools and resources they need to maintain and repair the roads in their jurisdictions. This program supports the government’s decentralization efforts by arming local governments with the means to bring about significant change.
A vast fleet of 2,240 pieces of equipment, including concrete mixers, water tankers, backhoes, rollers, wheel loaders, bulldozers, tipper trucks, and low beds, were declared by the President to be put into service. It is anticipated that these devices would be essential to the enhancement of the country’s road network.
A four-member committee at each MMDA will oversee the implementation of the programme, ensuring high standards of quality and accountability. The committees will include technical officers from the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Roads and Highways, along with a representative from the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) will chair these committees.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the job creation potential of the DRIP, projecting the creation of 10,000 jobs for mechanics, engineers, and artisans. He described the nation’s road network as the “circulatory system of our economy,” crucial for commerce, education, and healthcare.
Reflecting on past achievements, the President noted that from 2017 to December 2023, his administration completed 12,830 kilometers of roads and added six interchanges, a significant increase compared to the 4,636 kilometers and five interchanges completed during the Mills/Mahama era from 2009 to 2016. Current projects include ten new interchanges, with five expected to be completed by the end of the year and five more by 2025.
The President stressed the importance of maintaining local road networks for economic development. Efficient travel reduces time and costs, boosting local economies and productivity. By empowering local authorities with resources and equipment, the government aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, ensuring that road projects are tailored to meet local needs and conditions.
President Akufo-Addo called for a collaborative approach to the success of the DRIP. He urged MMDCEs to adhere to the operational manual issued by supervising ministries and stakeholders, ensuring proper use and maintenance of the equipment. In order to monitor advancement and guarantee accountability, he also urged the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development to set up monitoring and assessment systems.
The President concluded by restating the government’s resolve to advancing road infrastructure throughout Ghana and ushering in a new age of growth and prosperity. He said, “Together, we can build a Ghana where our nation can continue to grow and prosper, where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive, and where our communities are connected.”
The DRIP’s introduction is a major step in modernizing Ghana’s road system, with promises of increased connectivity, economic expansion, and better living conditions for all residents.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
