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In a strategic move to enhance Ghana’s infrastructure, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo today inaugurated the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) and unveiled crucial earth-moving machinery at Black Star Square.
The ceremony, focused on upgrading the nation’s road networks, represents a critical step in the government’s strategy to decentralize development and elevate living standards across Ghana.
During his speech, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the vital importance of road infrastructure for economic expansion and societal progress. “Roads link communities, facilitate commerce, provide access to education and healthcare, and ultimately enhance citizens’ quality of life,” he remarked.
Acknowledging the strides made in recent years, the President noted that many district roads remain in disrepair, hindering economic activity and growth.
The DRIP aims to provide Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with the tools and resources necessary to refurbish and maintain their road networks. This initiative reflects the government’s dedication to decentralization, enabling local authorities to drive significant improvements.
President Akufo-Addo announced the deployment of a comprehensive array of 2,240 equipment pieces, including motor graders, backhoes, rollers, wheel loaders, bulldozers, tipper trucks, concrete mixers, water tankers, and low beds. These machines will be instrumental in the nationwide enhancement of road infrastructure.
A four-member committee within each MMDA will oversee the programme’s implementation, ensuring adherence to high standards and accountability. These committees will comprise technical officers from the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Roads and Highways, alongside a representative from the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces. The committees will be chaired by the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the employment potential of the DRIP, predicting the creation of 10,000 jobs for mechanics, engineers, and artisans. He likened the nation’s road network to the “circulatory system of our economy,” essential for trade, education, and healthcare.
Reflecting on previous achievements, the President noted that from 2017 to December 2023, his administration completed 12,830 kilometers of roads and added six interchanges, a significant improvement over the 4,636 kilometers and five interchanges completed during the Mills/Mahama era from 2009 to 2016. Ongoing projects include ten new interchanges, with five slated for completion by the end of the year and another five by 2025.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the significance of maintaining local road networks for economic development. Efficient travel reduces time and costs, stimulating local economies and productivity. By equipping local authorities with resources and machinery, the government aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, ensuring road projects meet local needs and conditions.
The President urged a cooperative effort for the success of the DRIP, calling on MMDCEs to follow the operational guidelines provided by supervising ministries and stakeholders to ensure proper use and maintenance of the equipment. He also tasked the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development with setting up monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress and ensure accountability.
President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing road networks across Ghana, ushering in a new era of progress and development. “Together, we can create a Ghana where every citizen can thrive, where our communities are interconnected, and where our nation can continue to grow and prosper,” he concluded.
The launch of the DRIP marks a major advancement in transforming Ghana’s road infrastructure, promising better connectivity, economic growth, and an improved quality of life for all citizens.
