The Ashanti Region has officially launched the District Road Improvement Project (DRIP), a flagship government initiative focused on enhancing road networks in rural areas and locations critical for raw material sourcing.

The launch event, held at the Regional Coordinating Council in Kumasi on Friday, August 23, marks a significant step toward improving the region's infrastructure and economy.

Speaking at the event, Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Simon Osei-Mensah, highlighted the importance of the project in driving economic growth.

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

The ceremony featured a display of various equipment, including backhoes, tipper trucks, and motor graders, which will be distributed to districts across the region.

Mr Osei-Mensah stated that the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council will house the equipment to ensure effective supervision and maintenance.

He urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to use the equipment responsibly, stressing the project's potential to transform rural communities and stimulate economic growth.

The DRIP project aligns with the government's commitment to improving road infrastructure and promoting economic development in rural areas.

Mr Osei-Mensah noted that the region is poised to benefit significantly from the initiative, which will enhance access to markets, improve livelihoods, and pave the way for a brighter future.

He also mentioned that the project would create jobs, reduce transportation costs, and boost the region's competitiveness.

To ensure the project's success, Mr Osei-Mensah assured that specialized personnel would be available to repair any faulty equipment, and built-in trackers would monitor their use.

He warned against the misuse of the equipment for private purposes, such as illegal mining, promising strict supervision and accountability.

Samuel Pyne, CEO of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), commended the government for its efforts to improve road networks in the country.

He acknowledged the impact of poor road networks on food prices, healthcare, and the economy and praised the government's commitment to addressing these challenges through initiatives like DRIP.

Mr Pyne also expressed gratitude to JA Plant Pool and the Jospong Group for their collaboration on the project.

Obrempong Asiakwa Agyeman Agyei, Chief of Asante Asiakwa and Chairman of the occasion lauded Mr Osei-Mensah for his dedication to improving 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 various circumstances.

The Chief expressed his appreciation for the project's launch under the current government and urged district leaders to ensure the effective use of the equipment provided.

In his closing remarks, Obrempong Asiakwa Agyeman Agyei called for strict supervision to guarantee the efficient use of the equipment, underscoring the project's importance in transforming the Ashanti Region's road network.

"Today marks a significant event in the transformation of our road network," he said, praising the efforts of the regional minister and the government.