The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration has successfully fulfilled its pledge to equip district, municipal, and metropolitan assemblies with essential machinery for year-round road maintenance. This initiative, known as the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), marks a significant step towards enhancing local infrastructure.
Honorable Irene Naa Torshie Addo deserves special commendation for her pivotal role in overseeing this initiative. As head of the District Assembly Common Fund, Naa Torshie ensured that her department met the challenge of providing the necessary equipment and machinery, demonstrating the potential of the Common Fund to achieve significant improvements.
The DRIP, a vision originally proposed by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, aims to empower Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with the resources required to rehabilitate and maintain roads within their jurisdictions. This aligns with the government’s commitment to decentralization, giving local authorities the tools needed for meaningful change.
The administration has introduced a fleet of 2,240 pieces of equipment, including motor graders, backhoes, rollers, wheel loaders, bulldozers, tipper trucks, concrete mixers, water tankers, and low beds. This comprehensive deployment is expected to enhance road infrastructure nationwide.
To ensure effective implementation, a four-member committee at each MMDA will supervise the programme. These committees will consist of 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, ensuring high standards and accountability.
The DRIP is also anticipated to create approximately 10,000 jobs for mechanics, engineers, and artisans. This initiative underscores the importance of a robust road network, described as the “circulatory system of our economy,” essential for commerce, education, and healthcare.
Irene Naa Torshie Addo’s leadership has been instrumental in bringing this vital initiative to fruition, reflecting the commitment of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia to advancing road infrastructure and local development.
