The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has pledged close oversight of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), ensuring effective equipment utilization.
At the orientation program for District Coordinators, he highlighted the critical role of roads in connecting communities, facilitating trade, and promoting social interaction.
Mr. Nelson emphasized that poor road conditions impede development and stressed the need for strong stakeholder collaboration.
He also proposed leveraging DRIP to train machine operators and technicians through the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) model, creating local expertise and thousands of jobs for youth.
“I propose that DRIP be utilized as a platform to train drivers, machine operators, and technicians under the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) model.
A collaborative effort between the DRIP Secretariat and YEA would enable the training of young people across Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), providing local expertise to sustain DRIP and creating thousands of jobs for Ghana’s youth.” He mentioned.
Mr Nelson called on Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) to collaborate closely to ensure maximum benefits for local communities under the program.
“President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for Ghana’s road infrastructure emphasizes safe, accessible, and durable roads to drive growth and development. I call on MMDCEs and MPs to collaborate closely to ensure communities reap maximum benefits from this program. The Western Regional Coordinating Council will oversee the effective utilization of equipment, ensuring the program’s success.” He added.
Expressing gratitude to the National DRIP Coordinator, Nii Lante Vanderpuye and his team for choosing the Western Region to host the orientation, Hon. Nelson encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained in their districts.
Mr Vanderpuye warned District Coordinators, particularly those in areas prone to illegal mining, against misusing equipment for personal gain.
He emphasized that the government’s significant investment in the equipment would be protected, and anyone found guilty of misuse would face severe penalties.
“Honorable MMDCEs, I implore you: these state assets are in our custody for a purpose. We’ve received reports of some MMDCEs colluding to misuse DRIP machines.
I urge you, for the sake of our government’s integrity, to refrain from such actions. In galamsey areas, I beseech our Regional Minister and MPs to closely monitor these areas, as the temptation for misuse is high.” He said.
In all Forty-nine District DRIP coordinators from the Western North, Western, and Central regions participated in the two-day program, with several MMDCEs and MPs in attendance.
The MMDCEs and MPs: Alhassan Ibrahim: DCE, Wassa East, Sophia Aubyn: DCE, Mpohor-Fiase, Benedict Boadi: MCE, Jomoro, Peter Amponsah: DCE, Wassa Amenfi Central, Naana Ackom: DCE, Gomoa East, Hackman Kobina Aidoo:DCE, Gomoa Central, Lwayer Frederick Faidoo: MCE,Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly and Ismael Nana Asamoah: DCE, Ekumfi
These leaders pledged their support to ensure the effective operations of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) in their districts. The program aimed to build capacity, share knowledge, and align national strategic goals with decentralized road improvement strategies
