Construction equipment won’t end at galamsey sites -Naa Torshie

The Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Irene Naa Torshie Addo-Lartey, has assured Ghanaians that the road construction equipment given to the 261 assemblies will not be used for illegal mining.

According to her, the equipment deployed under the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), which was launched on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 are to improve road networks in the district to facilitate free movement of goods and people, but not for illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

“Again, to Mr. President, I say thank you for making this project come true. I want to assure you that the MMDCEs will put these machines to good use and none of them will be found at any galamsey sites,” she said in her address at the launch of the DRIP.

SUPPORT

She assured the gathering of the commitment of her outfit, the DACF, that funded the initiative to significantly improve the road networks in the districts across the country.

Naa Torshie added that DACF was committed to supporting the initiative to enhance transportation of farm produce to reduce post-harvest losses, open new markets for local farmers and improve access to health care, among other benefits, thereby contributing to the overall improvement of quality of life.

The DACF Administrator remarked that the delivery of the equipment is a huge step in capacitating the MMDAs to be self-reliant to fulfil their mandate, leading to economic growth.

“It is envisaged that resourcing the MMDAs with these equipment would also create employment, enhance local capacity for infrastructure maintenance, facilitate the completion of road projects, reduce delays in road maintenance and provide better access to essential services at the districts,” he asserted.

APPRECIATION

She took a moment to express appreciation to everyone who contributed to the materialisation of the idea.

Naa Torshie singled out President Akufo-Addo for mention, together with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, “who gave me all the support when I proposed the initiative.

“This is part of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia Government’s long-term strategy to structurally build the capacity of the MMDAs to achieve economic independence at the district level,” she added.

UPGRADE

She indicated that following the allocation of the construction equipment to the MMDAs per the specific needs of each district, the government is confident that “we will see massive upgrading of the road infrastructure, which will in turn boost local businesses, improve accessibility, and stimulate regional economies, among others.”

She observed that investing in the capacities of MMDAs has become crucial for sustainable development and progress at the district level and the country as a whole.

According to her, empowering the MMDAs to improve road infrastructure transcends improving the lives of their constituents to creating more resilient and self-sufficient communities to promote local economic development.

The Chinese manufacturing company, Luigu Company of China, sold the equipment to Ghana through Zoomlion/JA Plantpool.

Further, the Luigu Company, according to Mad. Naa Torshie, has sent over 30 engineers to care, train, and service the equipment for two years “at their own cost.”

DRIP

The District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), which was launched on Wednesday, is a significant move towards bolstering Ghana’s road infrastructure.

President Akufo-Addo, in his address, remarked that the initiative marks a pivotal milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to decentralise development and improve the quality of life for Ghanaians.

The DRIP is designed to empower MMDAs with the necessary resources and equipment to rehabilitate and maintain roads within their areas and align with the government’s commitment to decentralisation, providing local authorities with the tools to effect meaningful change.

A four-member committee at each MMDA will oversee the implementation of the programme, ensuring high standards of quality and accountability.

The committees will include technical officers from the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development and the Ministry of Roads and Highways, along with a representative from the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces.

The Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) will chair these committees.

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