S/R: NDC Demands Removal of Political Posters from DRIP Equipment

 

By: Abubakari Akilu 

The Savannah Region branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a three-day ultimatum to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), calling for the removal of political posters from equipment distributed under the District Road Improvement Program (DRIP).

In a petition read by the NDC’s Savannah Regional Communication Officer, Mr. R.A. Jalil, and signed by Regional Secretary, Lawyer Bi-Awurbi, the NDC accused the NPP of using the DRIP equipment for political purposes. 

The petition, presented on September 9, 2024, at the party's regional office, raises concerns that equipment intended for road maintenance has been marked with NPP campaign materials in the region.

The NDC argues that this undermines the neutrality of the program, which was designed by the Government of Ghana to provide road maintenance resources equally across districts, irrespective of political affiliation.

The petition highlights several key issues, including claims that the DRIP equipment has been co-opted by seven NPP parliamentary candidates for campaign purposes. 

The NDC further alleged that political posters on the equipment give the false impression that NPP candidates were responsible for procuring it.

They warns that these actions erode public trust in the independence of state institutions and public services.

As a result, they are demanding the following:

1. *Immediate Removal of Posters*: The removal of all NPP campaign materials from the DRIP equipment.

2. *Clear Guidelines*: The establishment of guidelines to ensure the equipment is used impartially and not for political purposes.

3. *Equitable Access*: Ensuring opposition parliamentary candidates have equal access to the equipment for public benefit.

They emphasized that failure to address these concerns may lead to a response in equal measure.

Copies of the petition have been sent to the Yagbonwura Jakpa Palace, the Regional Police Commander, and the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) in the Savannah Region. 

They expects swift action to address these concerns and safeguard the integrity of the DRIP program.