The Ashanti Region has officially launched the District Road Improvement Project (DRIP), a flagship initiative of the government, aimed at enhancing road networks in rural areas and locations where raw materials are sourced.

At the launch ceremony held at the Regional Coordinating Council in Kumasi on Friday, August 23, 2024, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, emphasised the project's significance in boosting the region's economy.

"Since His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo took office, we've witnessed unprecedented road construction across the country. DRIP will further accelerate this progress, focusing on rural areas and raw material sources," he said.

On display at the ceremony were various pieces of equipment, including backhoes, tipper trucks, and motor graders, which will be distributed to districts across the region.

He indicated that the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council will house the equipment for effective supervision and maintenance.

Osei-Mensah urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to ensure the equipment's proper use and maintenance.

"Let's make the most of this opportunity to transform our rural communities and stimulate economic growth," he urged.

He explained that the DRIP project aligns with the government's commitment to improving road infrastructure and promoting economic development in rural areas, stating that the region is poised to benefit significantly from this initiative, which will pave the way for increased access to markets, improved livelihoods, and a brighter future.

According to him, the project will create jobs, reduce transportation costs, and increase the region's competitiveness.

"We have specialized personnel on hand to repair any faulty equipment, so there’s no need to take them to just any mechanic. Each piece of equipment is fitted with built-in trackers to monitor their use. If anyone attempts to use them for private purposes, such as illegal mining, they will be caught and held accountable. There will be strict supervision—we will not simply distribute the equipment and sit back," he assured.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Samuel Pyne, commended the NPP government for its efforts in improving road networks in the country.

He noted that despite the government's impressive record in road construction, more needed to be done to address the challenges posed by poor road networks.

He highlighted the impact of bad roads on food prices, healthcare, and the economy, citing examples of delayed ambulance services resulting in deaths or miscarriages.

Furthermore, Sam Pyne praised the government's commitment to implementing policies to improve road networks and thanked JA Plant Pool and the Jospong Group for their collaboration on the DRIP project.

The Chief of Asante Asiakwa, Obrempong Asiakwa Agyeman Agyei, who was the Chairman for the occasion applauded Osei-Mensah, for his dedication and efforts to transforming the region's road network.

He recalled that the DRIP project was originally envisioned by former President J.A. Kufuor but was not implemented due to circumstances.

He expressed gratitude that the project has finally been launched under the current government.

Obrempong Asiakwa Agyeman Agyei emphasised that the equipment provided under the DRIP project was government property, intended solely for government projects and not for personal use, urging the district leaders to ensure effective utilisation of the machines to achieve the government's objectives.

He also appealed to the minister for strict supervision to guarantee the efficient use of the equipment, saying,

"Let us take a moment to applaud our Regional Minister for his dedication and efforts to improve the Ashanti community. Today marks a significant event in the transformation of our road network," he said.