The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council has announced remarkable progress under the government’s District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), with approximately 80 kilometres of roads across five district assemblies undergoing significant improvements. This development is a testament to the government’s commitment to enhancing local infrastructure and easing mobility challenges in various communities.
Launched in July, the DRIP initiative is a strategic intervention aimed at equipping Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with the necessary resources and tools to rehabilitate and maintain local road networks. By addressing the dire state of roads in some districts, the program seeks to foster economic growth, improve access to essential services, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
During a recent site inspection, Ebenezer Nii Narh Nartey, the Regional Coordinator of the DRIP project, expressed satisfaction with the strides made within a relatively short period. Highlighting the transformative impact of the program, he noted that several communities previously plagued by unmotorable and inaccessible roads are now witnessing a significant change. Residents in areas such as Awoshie, Sowutuom, Amasaman, Old Barrier, and Weija have seen their road networks rehabilitated, fostering better connectivity and reducing travel time.
“I think when we went to Weija-Gbawe, that is Ga South, they gave us 26 kilometres. Currently, we are at Ga West, and they have given us almost about 18 kilometres. When we went to Ga North, we were talking about 12 kilometres,” Nii Narh Nartey said. “There has been an addition in other areas too, and so, in all, we are talking about getting to almost 80 kilometres of road that has been done within these three, four months by DRIP, and I think that is very impressive.”
The program’s achievements are not just about numbers but also about the tangible benefits felt by the people who rely on these roads daily. For many residents, the improvements mean access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and markets, which were previously hindered by poor road conditions. In some areas, the rehabilitated roads have also opened up opportunities for local businesses, enabling smoother transportation of goods and reducing costs for traders and farmers.
The focus on specific communities within the Greater Accra region has been deliberate, targeting areas that were most in need of intervention. For instance, the improvements in Weija-Gbawe have addressed long-standing challenges faced by commuters and businesses in the area, while the upgrades in Ga South, Ga West, and Ga North have brought much-needed relief to residents. The rehabilitation efforts are not just about fixing roads but also about creating a ripple effect of positive change that benefits entire communities.
In addition to enhancing accessibility, the DRIP initiative also reflects the government’s broader agenda of decentralization and empowering local assemblies to take ownership of development projects. By providing MMDAs with the resources and tools needed for road rehabilitation, the program ensures that local governments play an active role in addressing the infrastructure needs of their communities. This collaborative approach fosters accountability and ensures that development efforts are tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities within each district.
The pace and scale of the DRIP initiative are noteworthy, with nearly 80 kilometres of road improvements completed within just a few months. This rapid progress underscores the efficiency and dedication of the teams involved in implementing the program. From planners to contractors and local officials, the collective effort has been instrumental in achieving the project’s objectives within the set timelines.
As the program continues, it is expected that more districts will benefit from similar interventions, further expanding the reach and impact of the initiative. The success of DRIP in the Greater Accra region serves as a model for other regions across the country, demonstrating what can be achieved when resources are allocated strategically, and implementation is carried out with a sense of urgency and purpose.
The progress under DRIP also aligns with the government’s broader infrastructure development agenda, which seeks to address critical gaps in the country’s road network. Poor road conditions have long been a major concern for Ghanaians, impacting economic activities and limiting access to essential services. Programs like DRIP provide a blueprint for tackling these challenges at the local level, ensuring that development efforts reach the grassroots and address the specific needs of communities.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on sustaining the momentum and ensuring that the improved roads are well-maintained. Regular maintenance is crucial to preserving the investments made under the program and preventing the roads from deteriorating over time. This calls for a coordinated effort between the government, local assemblies, and community members to prioritize road maintenance as part of the broader development agenda.
The success of the DRIP initiative in Greater Accra is a clear indication of what can be achieved through targeted and collaborative development efforts. By addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges, the program is not only improving roads but also transforming lives and creating opportunities for economic growth. As more districts come on board, the hope is that the benefits of DRIP will be felt across the country, contributing to a more connected and prosperous Ghana.
