On September 11, 2024, the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region of Ghana unveiled new equipment under the District Road Improvement Program (DRIP) to tackle the deteriorating road conditions in rural areas. The unveiling ceremony took place at the Assembly’s premises in Akyem Kukurantumi, where the equipment, including two tipper trucks, a grader, a roller, three concrete mixers, a backhoe, an excavator, and a water tanker, were introduced.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Dr. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga, emphasized that this initiative, led by the Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia government, aims to improve road conditions in rural communities across all 260 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana, including Abuakwa North. He highlighted that the poor state of roads, especially those connecting rural farming areas, hampers farmers’ ability to transport their produce to markets, thus affecting their economic stability.
Dr. Bodinga assured the public that with the DRIP initiative, all bad roads in the municipality would be rehabilitated to boost economic activities in rural areas. He further clarified that the government would provide fuel for the equipment, countering claims that the Assembly’s common funds would be used for this purpose. He also noted that a committee, which he chairs, has been established to oversee the use of the equipment.
To ensure accountability, Dr. Bodinga cautioned the operators of the equipment to use it solely for its intended purpose, warning that tracking devices have been installed to monitor their usage.
The ceremony was chaired by Daasebre Boamah Darko, the Chief of Akyem Kukurantumi and the Adontenghene of the Adonteng Division of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area. He praised the government for its commitment to improving rural infrastructure and commended the Municipal Chief Executive, the Member of Parliament, Hon. Gifty Twum-Ampofo, and the NPP Parliamentary Candidate, Nana Kwame Addo Ampaw Frempong, popularly known as Chief Buffalo. Daasebre Boamah Darko reaffirmed his support for the current administration and urged the operators to maintain the equipment properly to ensure its longevity.
The newly acquired machinery was paraded through the principal streets of Akyem Kukurantumi, Akyem Tafo, and Akyem Ettokrom to give the public a glimpse of the initiative.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Hon. Gifty Twum-Ampofo, MP for Abuakwa North; Nana Kwame Addo Ampaw Frempong, NPP PC for Abuakwa North; Mr. Emil Tawiah Atsu, Municipal Coordinating Director; traditional leaders; religious figures; members of the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC); Alhaji Seidu Ibrahim, NPP Constituency Chairman; party supporters; Assembly Members; community members; and the media.
The DRIP initiative is expected to significantly enhance road accessibility and stimulate socio-economic development within the municipality.
