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Ahmed Ibrahim, the minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, has pledged to prioritise the continuation and effective implementation of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) if confirmed by Parliament.
The DRIP initiative, introduced under the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration, was designed to improve road networks across Ghana’s districts, enhancing accessibility and fostering economic growth.
Appearing before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee on Tuesday, January 21, Ahmed Ibrahim underscored the importance of ensuring the program’s success.
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He noted that significant resources and machinery had been invested in DRIP, stressing the need to optimise their use to prevent wastage.
“If given the nod, we will work together to make sure that the DRIP project is materialised because the machines were procured to improve upon district roads that were not tarred, and much money was used,” he stated.
Ahmed Ibrahim acknowledged the challenges DRIP has faced, including delays and concerns about maintenance and resource allocation.
He emphasised the necessity of establishing proper structures, agreements, and monitoring systems to maximise the program’s impact.
“Whether we like it or not, the machines have been procured, and we must put them to good use. There must be proper structures, proper agreements, proper monitoring, and systems to ensure the machines are utilised effectively,” he added.
The DRIP initiative primarily targets unpaved district roads, which are crucial for the transportation of goods and services, especially in rural and peri-urban areas. Ahmed Ibrahim highlighted the program’s potential to address Ghana’s infrastructural deficit, which continues to hinder local economic growth and social development.
