John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has made a fervent appeal to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, urging him to direct his party’s parliamentary candidates to remove their political posters from equipment used in the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).
This nationwide initiative aims to enhance road conditions across all 275 constituencies in Ghana and is funded by taxpayer money.
Mahama’s call came during a recent rally in Yeji, Pru East District, where he expressed strong disapproval of the use of DRIP equipment for political advertising. DRIP, a crucial project for improving infrastructure, is supported by public funds, and Mahama emphasized that it should not be exploited for partisan purposes. His remarks highlight the broader issue of how public resources are managed and the need for maintaining the neutrality of government-funded projects.
“The DRIP project, which is funded by the taxes of all Ghanaians, should not be used for political gain,” Mahama stated. “The equipment, which is meant for improving our roads, is not the property of the NPP or any other political party. It belongs to the entire nation and should be used solely for the purpose it was intended.”
Mahama’s comments come against the backdrop of visible NPP posters on DRIP equipment, an act he described as a misuse of state resources. He criticized the practice, asserting that it undermines the purpose of the initiative and disregards the contributions of all taxpayers, regardless of their political affiliations.
“It’s the government’s money, funded by the taxes we all pay—whether you’re NPP, CPP, Christian, or Muslim—everyone contributes,” Mahama explained. “These taxes have been used to import essential earth-moving equipment for road construction, and every district has been allocated some. It is unacceptable to see posters of NPP parliamentary candidates on this equipment.”
The DRIP initiative is a significant government effort aimed at improving road infrastructure across the country, addressing key issues related to road maintenance and development. The project involves the distribution of various types of heavy machinery and equipment to districts in need, enabling local authorities to undertake road improvement projects efficiently.
By placing political posters on this equipment, Mahama argues that the NPP is not only misappropriating public assets but also sending a message of exclusivity, implying that the benefits of the DRIP project are somehow tied to the party’s electoral success. This, he contends, is a misuse of public resources that should be addressed promptly.
Mahama’s appeal extends to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia, urging them to fulfill their roles as leaders of the entire nation rather than focusing solely on their party’s interests. He reiterated that the government’s duty is to serve all Ghanaians, regardless of their political or religious affiliations.
“I want to remind Akufo-Addo and Bawumia that they serve the entire country, not just the NPP,” Mahama said. “The equipment does not belong to the party; it belongs to all Ghanaians. Therefore, no one has the right to place their posters on DRIP equipment.”
Mahama’s stance reflects a broader concern about the integrity of public projects and the need for transparency in how government resources are utilized. He warned that if the posters are not removed immediately, the NDC would take further action to address the issue. This could include organizing public demonstrations or legal challenges to ensure that public assets are used appropriately.
The NPP, for its part, has not yet responded to Mahama’s demands, but the issue has sparked a debate about the role of political parties in managing and utilizing public resources. Critics argue that such actions undermine public trust in government initiatives and highlight the need for stricter regulations and oversight to prevent the politicization of state-funded projects.
In the broader context, Mahama’s call for action against the misuse of DRIP equipment is part of his ongoing campaign to highlight issues of governance and accountability. By focusing on this particular instance of alleged misuse, he aims to draw attention to the broader challenges facing Ghana’s public sector and the need for a more transparent and equitable approach to managing public resources.
As the situation unfolds, it will be important for all parties involved to address the concerns raised and work towards resolving the issue in a manner that upholds the principles of fairness and accountability. The proper use of public resources is critical to maintaining public trust and ensuring that government initiatives effectively serve the needs of all citizens.
In conclusion, John Dramani Mahama’s call for the removal of political posters from DRIP equipment underscores a critical issue in the management of public resources. His appeal to Dr. Bawumia and President Akufo-Addo reflects broader concerns about the use of taxpayer-funded projects for partisan purposes. The resolution of this issue will be crucial in maintaining the integrity of public initiatives and ensuring that they are used solely for their intended purposes.
