Ghana Launches Major District Road Improvement Initiative

Ghana has launched an ambitious District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) aimed at enhancing the country’s road network by decentralizing road infrastructure development. This initiative addresses challenges faced by metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs) across the nation.

Empowering Local Assemblies

Dubbed the “District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP),” the initiative is designed to empower MMDAs with the resources and equipment necessary to rehabilitate and maintain roads within their jurisdictions. As part of the program, 2,240 units of road equipment, including motor graders, backhoes, rollers, wheel loaders, bulldozers, water tankers, concrete mixers, tipper trucks, low beds, and other essential machinery, were commissioned for distribution to all MMDAs.

These machines were acquired through a collaboration between the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) and the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development. They will assist local assemblies in carrying out essential maintenance tasks such as grading, gravelling, minor road improvements, and constructing drainage systems to improve access to social services.

The implementation of the project will be overseen by a four-member committee in each assembly, including a technical officer from the Local Government Ministry, the Ministry of Roads and Highways, and the 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), under the chairmanship of the MMDCEs. Moreover, their mandate will be to ensure the highest standard of quality and accountability in executing road projects. The initiative is expected to create jobs for about 10,000 local engineers and artisans.

Presidential Endorsement

President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the launch of DRIP demonstrates his administration’s commitment to decentralizing development and ensuring that every part of Ghana benefits from progress and prosperity. However, he noted that road infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth and social development, connecting communities, facilitating trade, enabling access to education and healthcare facilities, and ultimately improving the quality of life for all citizens.

Despite significant progress, many roads in rural districts remain in deplorable condition, hampering economic activities and development efforts. The President highlighted that this initiative marks a significant step in addressing these challenges. He further stated that the newly commissioned machines are not merely tools but instruments of change, enablers of progress, and symbols of Ghana’s dedication to improving the lives of its citizens.

Irene Naa Torshie Addo-Lartey, Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund and founder of DRIP, reiterated the fund’s commitment to supporting the initiative to improve roads, facilitating the free movement of goods and services, enhancing the transportation of farm produce, reducing post-harvest losses, and opening new markets for farmers, thereby contributing to the overall improvement of the quality of life.

Local Content and Monitoring

Joseph Siaw Agyapong, Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group and Head of JA Plant Pool Gh, which facilitated the procurement of the equipment, stated that a large number of the machines were assembled locally. This process employed about 2,000 personnel and the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces for technical support.

Agyapong highlighted that the opportunities created through this program are vast, involving about 5,000 individuals, including drivers, operators, mechanics, welders, janitors, and many others. He also mentioned that 32 mobile service vans equipped with tracking and telemarketing devices had been deployed to provide 24/7 real-time monitoring. This system will offer information on driver management, fuel usage, and geofencing. Additionally, a 24/7 call center has been established to assist operators.

The launch of the District Road Improvement Programme represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to improve its road infrastructure. Also, It reflects the government’s commitment to decentralizing development, creating job opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.

Source: Graphic Online