The Asene Manso Akroso District coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Wahab Malaika Asiedu, has appealed to the government and the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to allocate dedicated funds to DRIP in the 2027 national budget to support the maintenance of roads in rural communities.
According to him, the district’s DRIP department continues to receive numerous appeals from residents in smaller towns and villages for assistance with deteriorating roads, but its ability to respond is being constrained by a lack of funds.
Speaking to the media at the Asene Manso Akroso District Assembly office in the Eastern Region, Mr. Asiedu said several roads linking farming communities to major towns are in poor condition and require urgent attention.
He explained that improved rural roads are essential to helping farmers transport their produce to larger commercial centres, but the district’s DRIP team currently lacks the financial resources required to undertake such works.
“We receive several appeals from residents in the smaller communities to reshape their roads, but without funds, it is difficult for us to respond effectively,” he said.
Mr. Asiedu therefore urged the government and the Finance Minister to make provision for dedicated funding for DRIP at the district level when preparing the 2027 budget.
He said such funding would enable district coordinators to respond more effectively to road-related challenges in rural communities and improve the movement of agricultural produce.
The DRIP coordinator also dismissed allegations that machinery allocated to the Asene Manso Akroso District is being used for illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, or for private commercial activities.
He described the claims as false, explaining that the machines supplied to the district are not suitable for galamsey operations.
Mr. Asiedu further stated that the equipment is closely monitored to ensure it is deployed strictly for its intended public purpose.
He therefore urged residents to disregard what he described as unfounded claims concerning the use of the DRIP machinery in the district.
