The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Wa West District has held a press conference, expressing strong disapproval over the alleged misappropriation of District Roads Improvement Programme (DRIP) equipment. According to the NDC, these machines, acquired with public funds for infrastructure development, have been improperly handed over to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate.

Addressing journalists at the NDC constituency office in Wechiau, Hon. Olinaa Ababaasa, the Wa West NDC Communications Officer, accused the District Chief Executive (DCE) and the NPP candidate of misusing the district’s allocated DRIP machinery. The equipment, which includes items such as tipper trucks, water tankers, and motor graders, was reportedly transferred to the NPP candidate during a ceremony held on October 24, 2024.

“The DCE has handed over these machines, which were procured with taxpayers’ money, to the NPP candidate for personal use, evidenced by a video circulating on social media,” Ababaasa stated. He emphasized that these actions constitute a clear misuse of public resources intended for the district’s development.

The NDC outlined that the DRIP machines were intended to complete critical road projects in the district, such as the Gurungu-Dornye and Wechiau-Tokali roads. However, it alleges that the NPP candidate has been using the equipment for personal financial gain, including renting the tipper truck for private contracts at reduced prices.

Ababaasa disclosed that the procurement of the equipment cost the district approximately $505,812.80 (GH₵8.93 million), a debt that will strain the district’s finances for years. He warned that if this issue is not addressed promptly, it could jeopardize future developmental projects funded through the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF).

The NDC demanded the immediate return of the equipment to the Wa West District Assembly and threatened further action if their request is ignored. “These illegalities must stop. We cannot allow public property to be exploited for political gain. If the machines are not returned, the people of Wa West will resort to lawful measures to demand accountability,” Ababaasa declared.

This incident has sparked public outcry, with concerns raised about the ethical implications of political figures handling public assets. The NDC has called on authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable to prevent further abuse of public property.

By: Adil Fuseini