The Local Government Minister, Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah, has revealed that over 5,000 Ghanaian construction workers will be directly employed through the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).
“Mr. President permit me to put on record that while there may have been some attempts in the past, this is unprecedented because it goes beyond giving graders to assemblies. This programme while creating over 5,000 jobs for our country folks, perhaps also presents a huge opportunity for us as a country to take a serious look at our maintenance attitude.
“The biggest threat I say to this intervention could be the lack of proper maintenance and the misuse of this equipment especially for private endeavours,” Mr Adjei-Mensah Korsah said.
Funded by the District Assembly Common Fund and donor partners, DRIP aims to address infrastructure challenges within the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
The project will facilitate the completion of various road projects within these areas.
DRIP will also benefit farmers in rural communities who lack agricultural equipment, improving their farming activities.
Speaking at the launch of the project at the Black Star Square in Accra on Wednesday, July 31, President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the project’s significance as evidence of his administration’s commitment to enhancing road infrastructure in Ghana.
“I stand before you today with considerable pride to launch the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) and commission essential equipment which use will be crucial in transforming road networks across the country.
“This event marks an important milestone in our pursuit of infrastructural development and I am honoured to commemorate this momentous occasion with you all. This ceremony is proof of the determination of the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government to decentralize development and ensure that every corner of Ghana benefits from the progress and prosperity we strive to achieve,” the President said.
The President added that his administration has constructed 12,830 kilometres of roads throughout the nation. Akufo-Addo further pledged a significant upgrade to Ghana’s roads.
“We’ve witnessed exceptional improvements in our road network nationwide. We have successfully completed a total of 12,830 kilometres of roads across the country and added six more interchanges.”
“These accomplishments include asphalt overlays, 1,936.48 kilometres. New constructions, 659.81 kilometers, gravelling, regravelling,” he stated.
