MPs must be involved in DRIP management Committee – Minority Caucus

The Minority caucus in Parliament has demanded that legislators be included in the management committee set up for the District Road Infrastructure Programme (DRIP).

The Ranking Member on the Committee, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, insists that MPs must be part of the process to manage this earth-moving equipment in the districts.

Vanderpuye stated that MPs were assured they, along with the DCEs, would jointly chair the management committee that will be formed.

“We are asking that this bad faith exhibited by the government in the exclusion of the Members of Parliament be reversed immediately,” he said.

Mr. Vanderpuye comment follows the President commissioning hundreds of earth-moving equipment to fix bad roads across the country on Wednesday morning. However, the NDC MPs are upset about their exclusion from the committee, warning it could lead to conflicts in the districts.

**Hon Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, address the press**

According to Vanderpuye, MPs are “alarmed by the clandestine scheming of this wonderful initiative by the government for political gains.” He explained that the programme was created through the efforts of MPs, particularly the Local Government and Rural Government Committee and the administrator of the District Assembly Common Fund.

Deputy Ranking Member on the Local Government Committee, Benjamin Kpodo, also referenced the District Assemblies Common Fund Allocation Formula to back their demand.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Local Government and Decentralisation, Martin Adjei Mensah-Korsah, praised President Akufo-Addo for launching the District Road Improvement Programme.

The Minister described the initiative as unprecedented in Ghana’s history and a testament to President Akufo-Addo’s dedication to the effective functioning of district assemblies.

Speaking at the launch held at the Black Star Square on Wednesday, July 31, Adjei Mensah-Korsah who is also MP called on Ghanaians to commend the president for this significant achievement. He emphasized that the DRIP showcases the president’s commitment to enhancing local infrastructure and development.