Minister-Designate Ahmed Ibrahim pledges to prioritize District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP)
The Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has pledged to prioritize the continuation and success of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) if confirmed by Parliament.
Appearing before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Mr. Ibrahim underscored the significance of the DRIP initiative, which was launched during President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration.
The programme is designed to enhance district road networks, facilitating easier transportation and promoting economic activities in rural and peri-urban areas.
Mr. Ibrahim assured the Committee that he would ensure the substantial investment in DRIP is effectively utilized. He stressed the importance of leveraging the resources and equipment already acquired for the programme, highlighting the need for robust systems, monitoring, and agreements to guarantee its success.
“The machines were procured to improve untarred district roads, and a significant amount of money was spent. We cannot allow such an investment to go to waste,” he said.
“Whether we like it or not, the machines must be put to good use. Proper structures must be in place to ensure the project delivers its intended benefits.”
The DRIP initiative was introduced to address the poor condition of many roads in Ghana, which obstructs the movement of goods and people, hindering local development.
Despite facing challenges, including delays and resource management issues, Mr. Ibrahim reiterated his commitment to overcoming these obstacles and emphasized that improving district roads is crucial for closing the infrastructure gap and fostering local economic growth.
