The Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Irene Naa Torshie Addo, has promised to give long-term support for the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) to improve road networks across the country.
Naa Torshie Addo gave the assurance at the DRIP launch at the Black Star Square in Accra on Wednesday, underscoring the programme’s potential to improve transportation and contribute to economic growth.
“DRIP will facilitate the free movement of goods and people, enhance transportation of farm produce to reduce post-harvest losses, open new markets for local farmers, and improve access to healthcare.
“This will contribute to the overall improvement of the quality of life,” she stated.
A total of 2,240 set of road construction equipment, including low beds, water tanks, tipper trucks, backhoes, bulldozers, and concrete mixers, was presented to various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to begin road repairs and construction across the country.
Naa Torshie Addo noted that this initiative is a significant step in empowering the MMDAs to be self-reliant and fulfil their mandates, leading to economic growth.
“It is envisaged that resourcing the MMDAs with this equipment will create employment, enhance local capacity for infrastructure maintenance, facilitate the completion of road projects, reduce delays in road maintenance, and provide better access to essential services in the districts,” she explained.
According to Naa Torshie Addo, the DRIP aligns with the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia Government’s long-term strategy to build the MMDAs’ capacity to achieve economic independence at the district level.
“We are witnessing the realization of the NPP Government’s promise of strategically empowering the MMDAs through this ambitious initiative,” she reiterated.
The DACF Administrator expressed gratitude to President Nana Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Members of Parliament, the Chief of Staff, and the Ministry of Finance for their support in the procurement process.
She also thanked the Luigu Company of China for partnering with Ghana and sending over 30 engineers to train and service the equipment for two years at their own cost.
“The presence of the Chinese at this launch shows that they are a company that cares about their partners. We appreciate your business, interest, and zeal to help Ghana,” she said.
The DACF aims to accelerate road infrastructure development with the launch of DRIP, address bad road conditions, and stimulate regional economies, ultimately leading to more resilient and self-sufficient communities across the country.
