The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Assin Fosu, Baba Gariba Adam, has formally addressed public concerns regarding the inactivity of the District Road Improvement Project (DRIP) machinery currently stationed at the Assembly’s premises. His remarks follow a viral video in which a resident alleged that the equipment was being left to deteriorate due to administrative friction.
According to Mr. Adam, the decision to keep the machines stationary is a matter of strict adherence to regional protocols and technical requirements. He explained that the machinery was parked under the direct instruction of the Regional Coordinating Council and that the Assembly is currently awaiting the formal documentation necessary to authorize the commencement of roadworks.
The MCE recounted a specific instance involving the Omanhene of the area, who had requested the equipment to improve local roads ahead of a traditional festival. Mr. Adam noted that upon informing the Regional Minister, he was directed to advise the Omanhene to submit an official written request before the machinery could be deployed.
Further complicating the rollout, Mr. Adam highlighted critical maintenance issues raised by the National DRIP Coordinator, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye. He clarified that the equipment requires professional servicing before it can be safely and effectively operated.
“He (Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye) said before we move the machine, they have to come for service—they have to service the machine before I can use it,” Mr. Adam stated, adding that a service team has already met with regional and national coordinators to assess the fleet.
Beyond technical maintenance, a significant point of contention has emerged regarding the recruitment of personnel to manage the project. Mr. Adam expressed strong opposition to the appointment of the current Municipal DRIP Coordinator, a move reportedly made by the local Member of Parliament without his consultation.
The MCE argued that the appointee, who is currently a headteacher at a Roman Catholic Primary School, is ill-suited for the role, given his existing professional commitments and the availability of unemployed graduates with technical backgrounds.
Mr. Adam questioned. “Why add this position to a person who is already working as a teacher and headteacher? Is he going to leave his work to supervise these machines, or will he do it alongside that job? I said no, I will not allow that.”
The MCE further leveled serious allegations against the coordinator, claiming the individual has used the Member of Parliament’s name to extort money from constituents under the guise of job placement. He cited a specific case involving a 1,500 GHC payment for a promised ambulance driver position that never materialized.
While acknowledging the deteriorating state of roads within the district and the resulting public frustration, Mr. Adam insisted that he would not compromise on the quality of operators or the mechanical integrity of the machines. He maintained that the DRIP equipment will remain stationary until they are fully serviced and competent, qualified individuals are put in place to oversee the operations.