Credit Kekeli K. Blamey
The District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) has launched a nationwide training exercise to equip over 4,000 newly recruited personnel with the technical skills needed to support road construction and maintenance across the country.
According to the National Coordinator of DRIP, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, a total of 4,460 individuals have been recruited as part of the programme’s drive to enhance road infrastructure and create local job opportunities. Each district now has a 17-member team made up of one coordinator and 16 equipment operators.
“Our focus is not only on improving roads but also on building the technical capacity of the people who will drive this initiative at the local level,” Vanderpuye said. “Some of the previous operators lacked sufficient training, which posed safety and operational challenges.”
To address this, a comprehensive training programme has been rolled out. Regional coordinators are currently undergoing orientation in Ada, with district coordinators set to follow. Meanwhile, all equipment operators across the country will be taken through hands-on sessions to ensure safe and efficient use of machinery.
“There’s a lot to learn when handling equipment like tipper trucks. It’s not just about driving — it’s about understanding the proper usage and safety limits,” Vanderpuye explained.
In a move to secure the long-term employment of these recruits, President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to issue a warrant that will integrate them formally into the local government system. Once formalized, the recruits will serve as official staff within their respective district assemblies.
The DRIP initiative, launched to address deteriorating road networks in underserved areas, is a key part of the government’s broader plan to boost rural development, accessibility, and economic growth through infrastructure investment.
