- Minister warns against misuse of DRIP equipment.
- DRIP project enhances regional road networks.
- Equipment is for road construction and maintenance only.
- Misuse deprives communities of project benefits.
Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah has issued a stern warning against the misuse of equipment provided under the District Road Improvement Project (DRIP) for illegal mining activities. The DRIP project was launched to drive economic growth and development in Kumasi and parts of the region by equipping metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies with necessary resources and equipment.
The primary goal of the DRIP project is to rehabilitate and maintain roads within the jurisdiction of the assemblies, thereby improving the road network in the country. However, Minister Osei-Mensah emphasized that the equipment provided under the project is not meant for illegal activities, including galamsey.
He stressed that the equipment should be used solely for its intended purpose, which is road construction and maintenance. Minister Osei-Mensah appealed to the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCs) to take good care of the equipment and use it responsibly.
He cautioned that leaving the equipment idle or using it for private activities would deprive the people of the benefits of the project. The DRIP project aligns with the government’s commitment to enhancing road infrastructure and fostering economic development in rural areas.
By using the equipment for its intended purpose, the DRIP project is expected to bring multiple benefits to the people, including enhanced road networks, improved livelihoods, and a brighter future. Minister Osei-Mensah’s warning serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible equipment usage and the need to prioritize the intended purpose of the DRIP project.
