The District Road Improvement Program (DRIP) is a significant infrastructure initiative in Ghana aimed at enhancing the country’s road networks, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Recently launched by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the program has become a topic of political debate, with the Minority in Parliament asserting that the initiative was actually initiated in July 2016, during the previous administration, and not by the current government.
On July 31, 2024, President Akufo-Addo officially launched the District Road Improvement Program, emphasizing its importance in improving transportation infrastructure across the country. The program aims to upgrade and rehabilitate roads in various districts, facilitating better connectivity, boosting local economies, and improving the quality of life for residents in these areas.
During the launch, President Akufo-Addo stated, “This initiative is a testament to our commitment to providing Ghanaians with the infrastructure they deserve. By enhancing our road networks, we are not only making transportation easier but also stimulating economic growth and development.”
The primary objectives of DRIP include:
1. Improving Accessibility: Enhancing road connectivity in rural and remote areas to facilitate easy access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and markets.
2. Boosting Local Economies : Upgrading roads to promote trade and commerce, thus contributing to economic growth in local communities.
3. Enhancing Road Safety: Reducing the number of accidents and improving overall road safety by upgrading existing road infrastructure.
4. Job Creation: Creating employment opportunities through construction and maintenance activities associated with the program.
5. Reducing Transportation Costs : Lowering vehicle operating costs and travel times by improving road conditions, thus benefiting both individuals and businesses.
Following the launch, the Minority in Parliament raised concerns regarding the origins of DRIP. They claimed that the program was not a new initiative by the Akufo-Addo administration but was initiated and implemented in July 2016 under the previous government led by President John Dramani Mahama.
According to the Minority, the previous administration had already laid the groundwork for DRIP by procuring road equipment and distributing it to various district assemblies. They argue that the current government is merely continuing a project that had been set in motion years earlier, without giving due credit to the initial planners.
In a statement, the Minority spokesperson on Roads and Transport said, “The DRIP initiative was a vision of the previous government, and it is disingenuous for the current administration to claim it as their own without acknowledging the foundational work done in 2016.”
In July 2016, the Mahama administration reportedly began efforts to improve the nation’s road infrastructure. The government at the time procured significant road construction equipment, which was distributed to various district assemblies to facilitate the development of local road networks.
Key aspects of the 2016 initiative included:
I. Equipment Procurement : Acquiring road construction machinery such as graders, bulldozers, and excavators to empower district assemblies in road development projects.
II. Pilot Projects : Launching pilot road improvement projects in select districts to assess the effectiveness and impact of the initiative.
III. Capacity Building : Training local government officials and workers on the effective use of road construction equipment to ensure sustainability and efficiency.
The opposition’s claim suggests that this program was an initiative of the current government’s predecessor and hence not something out of the blue.
The District Road Improvement Program (DRIP) is a critical step forward in improving Ghana’s transportation infrastructure, promising to enhance road connectivity and stimulate economic growth. However, it is important to acknowledge the brain behind its initiation and adopt a comprehensive plan towards its implementation and distribution rather than scoring an undue political point from it.
