The Executive Committee of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has unanimously endorsed a sweeping suite of initiatives presented by the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, at its maiden meeting since his confirmation.
The package of proposals aims to reshape the capital city’s governance, cleanliness, infrastructure, and digital enforcement landscape, marking what the Mayor called “a new chapter for Accra.”
“The meeting saw full support for plans focused on sanitation, economic inclusion, urban regulation, environmental sustainability, and infrastructural development”
Accra Metropolitan Assembly
The measures include the 24-Hour Clean Accra Initiative, Mayor’s Special Ball, Special Weekend Trading Initiative, AMA City Authority Guards, 24-Hour Ticketing Cycle, Green Accra Initiative, and a robust Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Programme.
According to the AMA, the 24-Hour Clean Accra Initiative will introduce a “rotational three-shift sanitation system,” alongside citywide waste segregation. This policy is designed not only to maintain cleanliness throughout the day but also to generate employment through the sanitation value chain.
The Assembly further announced the establishment of the AMA City Authority Guards. These personnel, according to the Assembly, are to be deployed to enforce municipal bylaws, maintain urban order, and protect public spaces from unauthorized occupation or abuse.
“The 24-Hour Ticketing Cycle will utilise digital technology to ensure real-time monitoring and revenue collection. It’s about plugging leakages and ensuring that rules are respected”
Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, Mayor of Accra
Economic Inclusion and Climate Response
Another pillar of the proposals is the Special Weekend Trading Initiative. This new programme seeks to institutionalise specific vending days and trading zones within the metropolis, enabling lawful street trading while mitigating congestion and disorder.
In outlining the initiative’s intent, the Mayor said, “we are not outlawing trading; we are reorganising it. This initiative gives traders legitimacy, order, and opportunity.”
The Mayor’s Special Ball is also expected to become a flagship fundraising event, bringing together public and private sector actors to mobilise funds for projects in education, health, infrastructure, and sanitation.
“Through this Ball, we aim to build sustainable partnerships to finance what really matters to the people of Accra,” the Mayor explained.
Environmental sustainability and resilience form another key component of the endorsed programmes.
The AMA announced the launch of the Green Accra Initiative, a climate-focused urban programme geared towards expanding green spaces, improving biodiversity, and boosting air quality.
In a statement from the Assembly, the initiative was described as a “strategic response to the growing climate threats confronting urban Accra. The Green Accra Initiative is an investment in the health of our city.”
The Green Accra Initiative will run alongside a comprehensive Public-Private Partnership (PPP) strategy aimed at rejuvenating critical infrastructure. This includes plans to redevelop markets, transport terminals, and civic amenities in collaboration with the private sector.
Broader Strategy
In addition to the Mayor’s proposals, the Executive Committee adopted multiple strategic submissions from its statutory sub-committees.
These covered a wide scope: Finance and Administration, Revenue Mobilisation, Environmental and Disaster Management, Education and Sports, Social Services, Transport, Works, Justice and Security, and Development Planning.
The AMA said these recommendations are crucial for strengthening the Assembly’s operations, streamlining service delivery, and widening the revenue net. “This convergence of ideas at the sub-committee level is essential to the long-term success of our development goals,” the AMA noted in its official summary of proceedings.
As outlined by the AMA, the Executive Committee operates under the authority of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936). It is tasked with coordinating all subcommittee activities, implementing resolutions passed by the General Assembly, and executing approved projects.
The Act mandates the committee to act on behalf of the Assembly between sittings, provided all members are updated on its actions at least seven days prior to full Assembly meetings.
The meeting signalled an assertive start for Mayor Allotey’s tenure and a renewed policy direction for the capital city as it tackles long-standing challenges with sanitation, enforcement, and infrastructure.
The AMA pledged transparency and accountability as it begins implementing the resolutions endorsed at the meeting.
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