Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has strongly refuted claims made by some Members of Parliament from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding their involvement in funding the District Road Improvement Project (DRIP). This project, launched by the government, has seen the delivery of excavators and other earthmoving machines across the country to improve road infrastructure.
In recent discussions, certain NDC MPs have asserted that their contribution to the project was through allocations from their portion of the District Assemblies Common Fund. However, addressing a gathering at the Awubia Festival of the people of Awutu Bereku in the Awutu Senya West constituency, Dr. Bawumia provided clarification, stating that Parliament had no role in the funding or implementation of the DRIP initiative.
Dr. Bawumia outlined that the concept for the District Road Improvement Project originated from a committee he chaired, which focused on addressing critical road infrastructure issues across the nation. He highlighted that the idea was conceived as a solution to empower each district in Ghana to undertake road construction independently by providing them with the necessary equipment.
He stated, “On that committee which I chaired, the critical roads committee, I came up with the idea that we should buy equipment to help every district construct roads in Ghana. So, we were to buy for all districts excavators, rollers, graders, backhoes, tipper trucks, and so on. This was an idea from my committee. It has nothing to do with Parliament.”
This remark aimed to dispel the narrative circulating in some political circles that the DRIP project was implemented using funds allocated through parliamentary processes. Dr. Bawumia emphasized that the funding for the equipment did not require parliamentary approval, and therefore, the involvement of MPs in the project’s financing was unfounded.
He continued, “It has nothing to do with Parliament. We came up with the idea, we funded that. It didn’t go to Parliament for any approval, so nobody should come and claim that they were responsible for all the equipment that we have sent to every district in this country.”
By providing this clarification, Dr. Bawumia sought to correct what he described as misinformation regarding the role of Parliament and specific MPs in the DRIP initiative. He expressed concern over the attempt by some to mislead the public by claiming credit for the project’s funding.
“This was the committee that I chaired. We came up with that idea, and I made sure that we bought all of this equipment and we have taken it to every district in Ghana. So nobody should come and lie about it,” he added firmly.
Dr. Bawumia’s clarification underscores the intention behind the DRIP project to decentralize road construction efforts and ensure that every district in Ghana has the necessary resources to improve its road infrastructure. The initiative reflects a targeted approach to enhance local development, ensuring that road construction and maintenance are tailored to the specific needs of each district.
The delivery of the earthmoving equipment, including excavators, rollers, graders, backhoes, and tipper trucks, represents a significant step in the government’s effort to address the longstanding issue of poor road infrastructure in many parts of the country. By equipping each district with the tools needed for road construction, the government aims to accelerate development and ensure that all areas, regardless of their location, can benefit from improved road networks.
Dr. Bawumia’s comments at the Awubia Festival also come at a time when the government is making concerted efforts to demonstrate its commitment to infrastructure development. The DRIP project is one of several initiatives aimed at bolstering local economies and enhancing connectivity within the country. The effective implementation of such projects is expected to have far-reaching impacts, including improved access to markets, healthcare, education, and other essential services.
His remarks have sparked discussions on the political landscape, with some analysts suggesting that Dr. Bawumia’s clarification is an attempt to assert the NPP’s role in driving development projects without relying on parliamentary channels traditionally associated with resource allocation. It also highlights his focus on using his leadership within the government to advocate for projects that address the fundamental needs of Ghanaians.
Moving forward, the discourse around the District Road Improvement Project will likely continue, especially in the context of upcoming elections, where infrastructure development often becomes a central theme in political campaigns. For now, Dr. Bawumia’s statement provides a clear position on the origins and implementation of the project, reinforcing the NPP’s narrative on its commitment to grassroots development and road infrastructure improvements.
The flagbearer’s address at the Awubia Festival served not only to clarify misconceptions but also to affirm his role in spearheading efforts to ensure that every district in Ghana is equipped to undertake critical road construction projects. This approach is aimed at fostering a more equitable distribution of resources and development opportunities across the country, reflecting the government’s broader agenda for national growth and progress.
