The National Coordinator for the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has cautioned DRIP coordinators across the country against misuse of the government-assigned equipment.
He says any attempt to abuse the use of the equipment will be met with swift and uncompromising action, including prosecution.
Speaking at a two-day orientation and training program in Kumasi, made it clear that no official, regardless of personal ties, would be spared if caught engaging in unauthorized use of DRIP resources.
“I will not hesitate to report you or hand you over to state security agencies if you are found culpable in the mismanagement or misuse of this equipment. I don’t care whether you are my brother or relative. I want to be seen as someone responsible. The benefits of these machines must be felt by the people,” he emphasized.
The Coordinator cautioned participants against succumbing to pressure from political actors or private individuals to divert equipment for illegal mining operations, personal contracts, or other unauthorized purposes.
“Let no one influence you – not a party constituency executive, not a family member, not a friend. These machines are not for private use or personal gain,” he said.
He disclosed that all equipment under DRIP have been fitted with tracking devices to monitor usage and location in real-time. “Don’t think you can act in secrecy. The equipment has trackers installed. If they are used for illegitimate activities, we will remotely demobilize them and initiate legal action. Some cases are already in court,” he said.
Referring to the $178 million investment made by the government into the DRIP initiative, Mr. Vanderpuye stressed that the misuse of these resources would not be tolerated under any circumstance.
“I will not sit back and allow anyone to destroy the image of the government because of selfish interests. This is a major investment, and Ghanaians are watching,” he said.
He reminded coordinators that their new role carries significant responsibility and public accountability. “Ghanaians will be watching you. If they see these machines at mining sites or used for private work, they will hold all of us accountable.”
The Kumasi session marked the fifth in a nationwide series of orientation and training programs aimed at adequately preparing DRIP coordinators before the full rollout of their duties.
The session brought together coordinators from the Ashanti and Eastern Regions with the mandate of overseeing and managing road maintenance equipment allocated to district assemblies under the DRIP initiative, which seeks to improve road infrastructure across the country.
