The Ashanti Region has officially launched the District Road Improvement Project (DRIP), aimed at enhancing road networks in rural areas.
At the launch ceremony held at the Regional Coordinating Council in Kumasi on Friday, August 23, 2024, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Simon Osei-Mensah, emphasized the project’s significance in boosting the region’s economy. He noted that “since His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo took office, we’ve witnessed unprecedented road construction across the country. DRIP will further accelerate this progress, focusing on rural areas and raw material sources”.
Hon. Simon Osei-Mensah urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to ensure the effective use of the equipment while adhering to a good maintenance culture.
He noted that the DRIP project aligns with the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure and promoting economic development in rural areas. The region is poised to benefit significantly from this initiative, which will pave the way for increased access to markets, improved livelihoods, and a brighter future.
According to the Minister, the project will create jobs, reduce transportation costs, and increase the region’s competitiveness. He added that there are specialized personnel on hand to repair any faulty equipment, so there’s no need to take them to just any mechanic” . Also, each piece of equipment is fitted with built-in trackers to monitor their use. “If anyone attempts to use them for private purposes, such as illegal mining, they will be caught and held accountable”, he cautioned.
The Regional Minister indicated that there will be strict supervision., “We will not simply distribute the equipment and sit back,” he assured.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Hon. Samuel Pyne, commended the NPP government for its efforts in improving road networks in the country.
He noted that despite the government’s impressive record in road construction, more is needed to address the challenges posed by poor road networks. He highlighted the impact of bad roads on food prices, healthcare, and the economy, citing examples of delayed ambulance services resulting in deaths or miscarriages.
Furthermore, Hon. Pyne praised the government’s commitment to implement policies to improve road networks and thanked JA Plant Pool and the Jospong Group for their collaboration on the DRIP project.
The Chief of Asante Asiakwa, Obrempong Asiakwa Agyeman Agyei, who was the Chairman for the occasion applauded Hon. Osei-Mensah, for his dedication and efforts to transforming the region’s road network.
The chairman emphasized that the equipment provided under the DRIP project was government property, intended solely for government projects and not for personal use, urging the district leaders to ensure effective utilization of the machines to achieve the government’s objectives.