BAWUMIA: My Gov’t Will Expand Public Infrastructure

Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia, flag-bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has reaffirmed his pledge to prioritize expand all public infrastructure facilities, systems, and structures that are owned and operated by the government.

The Vice Presient explained that expanded public infrastructure facilities would enhance the smooth economic activities and directly improve the standard of living in Ghana.

The Vice President, speaking on his ongoing campaign tour specifically mentioned the newly launched District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP-2024), a Government initiative set to empower Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with the tools and resources needed to enhance road networks across the country.

Dr. Bawumia clarified that Parliament had no role in the implementation of the DRIP programme and that it was his personal brainchild he came up with at a committee he chaired in his capacity as Vice President.

“On that committee which I chaired, the critical roads committee, I came up with the idea that we should buy equipment to help every district construct roads in Ghana. So we were to buy all districts excavators, rollers, graders, backhoes, tipper trucks and so on. This was an idea from my committee. It has nothing to do with Parliament.

“It has nothing to do with Parliament. We came up with the idea, we funded that. It didn’t go to Parliament for any approval so nobody should come and claim that they were responsible for all the equipment that we have sent to every district in this country.”

“This was the committee that I chaired. We came up with that idea and I made sure that we bought all of this equipment and we have taken it to every district in Ghana. So nobody should come and lie about it,” Dr. Bawumia added.

The Vice President noted that improved road infrastructure is a catalyst for economic growth because be enhancing connectivity, DRIP-2024 will enable local entrepreneurs to establish and grow businesses, increasing access to markets and boosting agricultural productivity.

He said farmers will benefit from better transportation routes, reducing post-harvest losses and expanding their reach to urban markets. This will not only increase incomes but also enhance food security across the nation.

He explained further that the DRIP initiative has the potential to create approximately 4,480 direct jobs ranging from operators and mechanics to support staff and management roles, will offer valuable employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. In addition to job creation, the program will provide extensive training in mechanical engineering, hydraulic systems, and electronic systems diagnosis, ensuring a skilled workforce capable of maintaining and operating the new equipment.
Dr. Bawumia also mentioned the plans to commence the development of the long-awaited Cape Coast Airport, as well as a new airport in the Upper East Region.

Bawumia announced that funding for the Cape Coast Airport has already been secured under a US$2 billion facility from the South Korean government.

The project, once completed, is expected to boost tourism and trade in the Central Region by improving connectivity and reducing travel time for both domestic and international visitors.

“The Cape Coast Airport has been a priority for us, and with the funding in place from the Korean facility, we are ready to break ground and begin construction,” Bawumia said.

He highlighted the importance of the airport to the region, especially given Cape Coast’s status as a key tourist hub due to its rich historical and cultural significance.