Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has revealed that the Direct Roads Improvement Programme (DRIP) lacks a management contract due to the procurement of machines being handled by the Office of the President during the Akufo-Addo-led administration.Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday, Mr.

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Ibrahim disclosed that the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, which spearheaded the initiative, was excluded from the procurement process.“Workers in the Ministry of Local Government watching me would testify that they have no records of any agreement related to the DRIP project,” he said. “There is no programme or inventory of the DRIP machines.

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This is a challenge because it was procured through the Office of the President, which has created problems.”Launched by former President Akufo-Addo at Independence Square on July 31, 2024, the DRIP initiative aimed to address deteriorating road conditions in all 275 constituencies, a critical issue flagged by the National Security Ministry as a potential threat to national stability.However, Mr.

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Ibrahim pointed out glaring deficiencies in the programme’s implementation framework. “There is no management contract, no provisions for spare parts, and no committees established to oversee the machines,” he said, adding that such lapses have hindered the programme's effectiveness.Despite the challenges, the minister-designate expressed his commitment to ensuring the success of the DRIP initiative.

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“We are committed to ensuring that the DRIP programme materialises and delivers on its promise of enhanced road infrastructure in all districts,” he stated.He further emphasised the importance of accountability and efficient resource utilisation in achieving the programme’s objectives.

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“It is crucial that the equipment and resources allocated to this programme are used for their intended purpose, and we will closely monitor its execution to ensure that roads are built to the highest standards,” Mr. Ibrahim assured.As Ahmed Ibrahim prepares to take charge of the ministry, he faces the daunting task of addressing these structural issues to realise the goals of the ambitious DRIP initiative.

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