The Ada East District Chief Executive (DCE), Kenneth Kabu Kofi Kanor, has expressed concern over allegations of fee charging for the deployment of District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) machinery for community road works.
Mr Kanor described the alleged practice as a potential abuse of office and pledged to investigate the matter to ensure accountability.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Ada, he explained that although the DRIP initiative operates under the district assembly, its implementation has been entrusted to a coordinator.
He noted that during the introduction of the DRIP machines under the previous administration, provisions were made for operational costs such as fuel, but those allocations were no longer available.
According to him, the assembly now collaborates with beneficiary communities to mobilise resources to support road works.
“Whenever we want to undertake a road project, we engage the community to see how both parties can contribute towards it,” he said.
Mr Kanor stated that he came across reports on social media alleging that communities were being charged GH₵4,000 and GH₵5,000 before DRIP machines could be deployed.
“I found it difficult to believe, so I have summoned the coordinator to explain the circumstances,” he said.
The DCE has assured that appropriate action will be taken after investigations are concluded.
Meanwhile, residents of Dornguame, a farming community in the Ada East District, have raised concerns over an alleged GH₵4,000 charge demanded before DRIP machines could be used to rehabilitate their road.
Mr Samuel K. Garwey, the Assembly Member for the Dogo-Togbloku Electoral Area, told the GNA that the community had mobilised funds to purchase gravel but required DRIP machinery to spread it.
He alleged that the DRIP coordinator demanded GH₵4,000 before releasing the equipment.
Mr Garwey further claimed that he had previously paid GH₵5,000 under similar circumstances to access the same service and raised concerns about the mode of payment, alleging that the money was to be sent to a private mobile money account without any official receipt.
According to him, the community’s inability to raise the amount has stalled the road project, leaving the procured gravel unused while the road remains in poor condition.
Residents, therefore, questioned the legitimacy of the alleged charges and called for clarity and transparency in the operations of the DRIP programme.
The GNA was unable to reach the DRIP coordinator, Mr Gad Ackwer, for his response at the time of filing this report.
Source: GNA
