The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has in a significant move towards bolstering Ghana's infrastructure launched the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) and commissioned essential earth-moving equipment at the Black Star Square today.

The event, aimed at enhancing the country’s road networks, marks a pivotal milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to decentralize development and improve the quality of life for Ghanaians.

In his address, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the critical role of road infrastructure in economic growth and social development. “Roads connect communities, facilitate trade, enable access to education and healthcare, and ultimately improve the quality of life for the citizenry,” he stated.

Despite significant progress in recent years, the President acknowledged that many district roads remain in poor condition, impeding economic activities and development.

The DRIP is designed to empower Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with the necessary resources and equipment to rehabilitate and maintain roads within their areas. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to decentralization, providing local authorities with the tools to effect meaningful change.

The President announced the commissioning of a comprehensive fleet of 2,240 pieces of equipment, including motor graders, backhoes, rollers, wheel loaders, bulldozers, tipper trucks, concrete mixers, water tankers, and low beds. These machines are expected to play a crucial role in the nationwide improvement of road infrastructure.

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 and urged MMDCEs to adhere to the operational manual issued by supervising ministries and stakeholders, ensuring proper use and maintenance of the equipment. He also called on the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development to establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and ensure accountability.

In closing, the President reiterated the government’s commitment to improving road networks across Ghana, launching a new era of progress and development. “Together, we can build a Ghana where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive, where our communities are connected, and where our nation can continue to grow and prosper,” he concluded.

The launch of the DRIP is a significant step towards transforming Ghana’s road infrastructure, promising enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and improved quality of life for all citizens.

Sompaonline/Nana Yaw Boamah