Former President John Mahama has sharply criticized the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) introduced by the current NPP government, describing it as a well-intentioned but poorly executed initiative.
The programme, which aims to enhance road infrastructure in various districts across Ghana, has been scrutinized by Mahama for its flawed planning and implementation.
Speaking at a media engagement in Sunyani, Bono Region, on September 11, 2024, as part of his three-day campaign tour, Mahama highlighted concerns about the quality of roads in the region.
He pointed out that several roads needed more adequately constructed or completed.
Mahama also criticized the programme’s budgetary allocations, suggesting that the funding was insufficient to meet the districts’ road infrastructure needs.
“You only introduce many road equipment within operators.
Many districts need grader and roller operators, leaving the machinery idle. Additionally, there was no provision for fuel in the budget,” he stated.
If elected, the NDC flagbearer proposed a more comprehensive approach to the DRIP and promised to address these issues systematically.
“The idea is good, but it must be better thought through. The equipment was brought in hastily for political purposes without the necessary organizational structure.
If we come into power, we will refine the concept, advertise for and recruit operators, train them on maintenance, and ensure that district assemblies receive adequate budgets to operate the equipment.
We will work with districts to identify priority roads and allocate the necessary funds to address them,” Mahama emphasized.
The District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), launched by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on July 31, 2024, aims to enhance decentralization and empower local authorities.
The programme is designed to improve the state of rural roads, which are crucial for community connectivity and trade, and to boost the quality of life for Ghanaians.
