Ablakwa Calls for Renegotiation of DRIP Initiative, Citing $100m Inflation

Jan 31, 2025 - 21:01

Samule Okudzeto Ablakwa is the Minister-Designate for Foreign Affairs.

Accra, Ghana - 31 Jan, 2025 - Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called for a renegotiation of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) initiative, citing concerns over its financial execution.

Speaking during his vetting by Parliament's Appointments Committee, Ablakwa alleged that the project, launched in August 2024, has been inflated by over $100 million. He emphasized that only 25% of the total project cost has been paid, leaving room for renegotiation.

Ablakwa urged President John Dramani Mahama's government to act decisively to safeguard public funds.

He highlighted the potential impact of recovering the inflated funds, which could be redirected to critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and social intervention programs.

“Fortunately, only 25 percent has been paid and not all the liabilities have been met so I have encouraged the new Mahama administration to renegotiate the DRIP initiative so that we can save money because my conservative estimate is that it has been inflated by more than $100 million.

“And there is the need to save money because $100 million can do so much for an IMF-bailout country,'' he stated.

Source: Lead News Online