Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Collins Augustine Ntim, has rejected allegations of corruption regarding the purchase of road equipment for the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).
The claims, made by Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, have been described as false by Mr Ntim.
Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Mr Ntim explained that the purchase followed due process and that the equipment was essential for improving road infrastructure.
“The District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) adhered to all procedures in acquiring the equipment,” he said.
Mr Ntim further clarified that maintenance costs were factored into the project, and 32 engineers from China will stay in Ghana for two years to provide technical support.
Also, he added that 70 Ghanaian engineers were trained in China to ensure the sustainability of the programme.
He dismissed Ablakwa’s claims, saying, “I don’t understand why these accusations are being made, especially when their administration did worse.”
The DRIP programme, initiated by Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, aims to improve roads across the country.
The programme’s stakeholders include the DACF, the Office of the President, and the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
J.A. Plant Pool was awarded the contract for supplying the equipment, which included tailored machinery designed to meet Ghana’s needs.
But Mr Ntim pointed out that the total cost of the equipment, $178.7 million, included comprehensive after-sale services such as a two-year warranty and the training of 70 Ghanaian technicians in China.
In comparison to a previous purchase made under the NDC government, Mr Ntim said the DRIP equipment cost was more reasonable, delivering 2,420 machines compared to 60 machines bought in 2014 at a higher unit cost.
“The DRIP equipment is of superior quality, with high specifications comparable to European standards. The DRIP programme is working well, and the public is pleased with the results. No amount of propaganda can change that,” he stated.
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