President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has launched the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening decentralization and empowering local authorities.

The programme seeks to address the deplorable state of many rural roads across the country, which hinder community connection and trade.

The President emphasized that the programme is not just about roads but about people and their livelihoods.

He urged citizens to hold their local authorities accountable and participate in community development.

The president emphasized that the DRIP programme marks a significant milestone in the government's efforts to improve the road network, with over 12,800 km of roads completed since 2017.

He added that the programme's localized approach is expected to create jobs and ensure that every Ghanaian, regardless of location, has access to improved roads.

To support the programme, 2,240 units of earth-moving equipment, including water tankers and bulldozers, wheel loaders, skid steer loaders, motor graders, excavators, long-reach rollers, truck-mounted equipment, and concrete equipment, have been deployed.

Francis Asenso Boakye, Minister for Roads and Highways, noted that the program demonstrates the government's dedication to building a robust infrastructure that drives growth and prosperity.

He emphasized that the impact of poor roads in rural areas cannot be overstated, and this initiative ensures that no region is left behind, reflecting a holistic approach to development.

By empowering Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), the voices of rural communities are heard.

The minister urged all stakeholders to embrace the program as a collective effort.

"Enhancing our district road network is crucial for connecting communities, facilitating trade, and ensuring access to essential services," he stressed.

"Through DRIP-24, we aim to create safer, more efficient roads that will significantly boost local economies and improve citizens' quality of life," he added.

On his part, Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, Minister for Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, emphasized the crucial role of a well-developed road network in enabling local governments to function effectively.

He highlighted that improved roads facilitate efficient service delivery, enhance connectivity, and promote the mobility of people and goods.

"With better roads, local governments can serve their communities more effectively, ensuring resources and services reach even the most remote areas," he noted.

However, the minister noted that the biggest threat to the programme's success is poor maintenance.

To address this, a maintenance component has been added to the programme.

He therefore urged all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to take charge and ensure the longevity of the equipment.

The Executive Chairman of Jospong Group, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, explained that J.A. Plant Pool's involvement in the DRIP programme encompasses a comprehensive suite of services and the sustainability of the project.

By working closely with local governments and communities, the company aims to continue to facilitate seamless project execution and long-term sustainability.

The JA Plant Pool team, together with the 48 Engineering Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, is dedicated to delivering quality and excellence at every stage, ensuring that the equipment serves its purpose effectively and efficiently.

He acknowledged that the DRIP programme promises a remarkable increase in infrastructural development, which is critical in facilitating better access to markets, reducing waste, enhancing the profitability of agricultural activities, and also creating sustainable jobs.

Mr. Zeng Guang'an, Chairman and CEO of Guanxi LiuGong Machinery Company Limited, announced the establishment of 16 service centers across the country to provide after-sales services for the project.

The programme's success relies on a collaborative approach, ensuring efficient use of equipment and resources.

By improving road networks, the government aims to enhance the quality of life for all Ghanaians, regardless of location.

This programme aims to empower local governments to drive regional development by decentralizing road project implementation and maintenance.

This approach fosters ownership and responsibility among local authorities, crucial for sustainable development.