Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is the North Tongu MP and Minister of Foreign Affairs-designate
The Minister of Foreign Affairs-designate, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has provided revealing details regarding the funds used in the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) by the previous Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led government.
Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Friday, January 31, 2025, Ablakwa disclosed that the DRIP policy implemented under the former Akufo-Addo/Bawumia-led government was inflated, leading to significant financial losses to the state.
According to the North Tongu MP, the cost of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) presented to the state was inflated by over $100 million, failing to meet expectations as the country did not receive value for the funds spent on the project.
“And I still maintain that Ghana did not receive value for money so far as the DRIP project is concerned.
“… so, those are the concerns that I have about DRIP, and I am hoping that Ghana will be able to retrieve some money. Fortunately, only 25% has been paid. Not all the liabilities have been met,” he said.
The lawmaker further suggested that the Mahama government may be planning to renegotiate the DRIP contract, which Ablakwa believes could save the country a significant $100 million, with the potential to redirect those funds into other developmental projects.
“So, I have encouraged the new Mahama administration to renegotiate the DRIP initiative so that we can save money, Because my conservative estimate is that it’s been inflated by more than $100 million. And there’s a need to save money as $100 million can do so much for the country like an IMF bailout country. There’s so much that we can do with $100 million,” he added.
The DRIP project, an initiative under the former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, aimed to revolutionise road infrastructure, creating a ripple effect that promotes economic empowerment, job creation, and an improved quality of life for residents throughout the country.
MAG/AE