President Nana Akufo-Addo has launched the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), aimed at improving road conditions across all 275 constituencies in Ghana.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, addresses concerns from the National Security Ministry about poor road conditions posing a significant national security threat.

At a ceremony at Independence Square on July 31, 2024, President Akufo-Addo commissioned 2,240 units of state-of-the-art road equipment, marking a significant boost to the country's road infrastructure.

The equipment includes water tankers, backhoes, motor graders, rollers, tipper trucks, concrete mixers, and bulldozers.

Highlighting his government's commitment to decentralising development and transforming road networks, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged both the progress made and the need for further improvements.

The equipment, distributed to all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), is the result of a collaboration between Ghana and China.

The President thanked China for their partnership and assured the nation of his government's dedication to improving road infrastructure, promoting connectivity, and driving prosperity.

Roads and Highway Minister, Francis Asenso Boakye, highlighted the importance of improving the district road network for connecting communities, facilitating trade, and ensuring access to essential services.

He noted that DRIP-2024 aims to create safer, more efficient roads that will significantly boost local economies and improve the quality of life for citizens.

He called for continued collaboration to enhance infrastructure, promote economic growth, and improve the lives of Ghanaians.

The administrator of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF), Irene Naa Torshie Addo-Larte, expressed joy in the initiative, stating it demonstrated the fund's commitment to empowering local governments to foster development.

She explained that the commissioned equipment will enable districts to construct, maintain, and improve their road networks, facilitating trade and movement, and contributing to socio-economic development.

She thanked her partners for their support and collaboration.

Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, praised President Akufo-Addo for his unwavering support in addressing Ghana's challenges.

He announced the successful establishment of 11 compost plants and pledged technical support for the machinery, as well as plans to establish a vehicle assembly branch in all regions.

He stated that DRIP will boost district assemblies' capacity, create jobs, stimulate economic growth, enhance infrastructural development, improve market access, and upgrade health delivery systems.

Chairman and CEO of Guangxi LiuGong Machinery Co., Ltd., Zeng Guang'An, expressed his company’s happiness in being a key partner in DRIP.

He assured that LiuGong's advanced equipment would meet the highest standards of quality and performance, supporting Ghana's vision of robust infrastructure as the backbone of economic growth.

He expressed gratitude to the Government of Ghana and all stakeholders for their trust in the company.

Chairman of Shaanxi Automobile Holding Group Co., Ltd. (SHACMAN), Yuan Hongming, indicated that SHACMAN has supplied heavy-duty equipment in collaboration with JA Plant Pool, demonstrating their dedication to excellence, innovation, and community development.

He stated that well-maintained roads are vital for economic growth and improving the quality of life.

The launch was attended by government officials, the National Chief Imam, traditional leaders, and stakeholders in the road construction industry.