Tamale, January 22, 2026: The National Secretariat of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) has assumed full control of all DRIP-related activities in the Northern Region with immediate effect, following a serious administrative incident involving the unauthorized movement of programme equipment.
In a formal directive dated January 19, 2026, and addressed to the Northern Regional Minister through the Regional Coordinating Director, the National DRIP Secretariat disclosed that the incident involved the Regional DRIP Coordinator and was grave enough to warrant the intervention of the Ghana Police Service.
According to the letter, the incident raised significant concerns over the safeguarding of public assets and adherence to established operational procedures under the programme.
As a result, management of the National DRIP Secretariat says it has taken decisive steps to restore administrative control and ensure strict compliance with laid-down protocols.
Under the new directive, all Regional DRIP-related matters in the Northern Region will now fall directly under the authority and supervision of the Director of Technical Services for the Northern Sector until further notice.
This effectively suspends the decision-making powers of the Regional DRIP Coordinator in the region.
The Secretariat further emphasized that no Regional DRIP Coordinator is permitted to take decisions, issue instructions, or undertake any actions relating to DRIP activities in the Northern Region without the express approval and direction of the Director of Technical Services (Northern Sector).
To ensure the full implementation of the directive, the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) has been formally requested to cooperate with the National Secretariat and enforce the new administrative arrangement.
All District DRIP Coordinators in the Northern Region have also been directed to take due notice and comply strictly with the directive.
The National DRIP Secretariat noted that the directive will remain in force until it is officially reviewed or withdrawn.
The letter was signed on behalf of the National Coordinator by the Director of Administration, Nii Commey Otoo, and copied to the Director of Technical Services (Northern Sector) as well as all District DRIP Coordinators in the Northern Region.
The District Road Improvement Programme is a key government initiative aimed at improving road infrastructure at the district level to enhance accessibility, economic activity, and service delivery across the country.
Report By: Robicon Mornahson
