Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah has warned against the misuse of equipment provided under the District Road Improvement Project (DRIP) for illegal mining activities.

The DRIP project, launched to drive economic growth and development in Kumasi and parts of the region, aims to equip metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies with the necessary resources and equipment to rehabilitate and maintain roads within their jurisdiction.

As Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah highlighted, “The equipment is not meant for illegal activities. So, the intended purpose, which is for road construction is to improve upon the road network in the country, that is why we have to use the equipment.”

Mr. Osei-Mensah also emphasized the importance of responsible equipment usage, saying, “I appeal and plead with all my MMDCs that we have to take good care of the equipment.” He further cautioned, “If you go and leave the equipment idle or you start using it for private activities and the road network is bad, the people will not benefit.”

The DRIP project aligns with the government’s commitment to enhancing road infrastructure and fostering economic development in rural areas. The initiative is designed to improve market access, improve livelihoods, and set the stage for a brighter future.

By using the equipment for its required purpose, the DRIP project is expected to bring multiple benefits to the people, including enhanced road networks, improved livelihoods, and a brighter future.