The Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, announced that the government has invested over GH¢10 billion in road infrastructure development since January 2024. He highlighted the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration’s significant investments in road networks, railways, and air transport infrastructure since 2017 to enhance domestic trade and facilitate efficient movement of goods and services.
During the commissioning of 2,240 units of earth-moving equipment and ancillary tools for the 261 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Accra, Dr. Amin Adam emphasized the importance of road infrastructure in connecting communities, facilitating trade, and ensuring access to essential services.
The District Road Network Improvement Programme (DRIP) initiative, which includes the provision of construction equipment to MMDAs, aims to improve road network conditions across the country. The Minister noted that this initiative represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance road infrastructure development in Ghana.
The DRIP-2024 initiative is expected to create numerous job opportunities, stimulate local economies, and contribute to the overall development of local assemblies. By investing in infrastructure, the government is laying the foundation for sustained economic growth and social progress.
The equipment handed over to the MMDAs includes bulldozers, rollers, graders, tipper trucks, and water tankers, and is expected to create 10,000 jobs across the country. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, the Ministry of Roads and Highways, and the Ministry of Finance.
Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Mr. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, described the provision of road equipment to MMDAs as unprecedented in the country’s history. He emphasized the importance of a good road network in deepening trade and accessibility to basic services.
The government has established a monitoring and compliance mechanism to ensure proper use of the equipment and prevent misuse. The Minister stressed the need for cooperation among implementing partner institutions to ensure proper utilization and management of the equipment.
