News
AMA kicks off consultations for 2026–2029 MTDP
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) today commenced a series of community engagement meetings to gather public input and prepare community action plans for the next Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) for 2026–2029.
The initiative, which is rooted in the principles of planning, is being conducted in accordance with the National Development Planning (System) Act, 1994 (Act 480), the National Development Planning (System) Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2232), and the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936).
The Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) for the period 2026–2029 is a strategic planning document to guide the city’s development efforts over a four-year period.
It outlines key policies, programmes, and projects aimed at improving the social, economic, and infrastructural well-being of residents within the Assembly’s jurisdiction.
Speaking during the event held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Korle Gonno community library in the Ablekuma South Sub-Metropolitan District, Deputy Director Mr. Samuel Tutuani stated that the engagement would provide a platform for residents, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, and other interest groups to share their perspectives, ideas, and development priorities to shape the MTDP in a way that addresses the real needs of the community.
“Your voice is vital in shaping our future, and your participation will help ensure that our development plans are reflective of the needs of all community members,” he said.
He assured residents that their inputs would be integrated into the planning framework to ensure equitable resource allocation and targeted interventions that reflect the actual needs of the people.
The Director of Development Planning at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Mr. Richard Oduro, noted that the current plan, which spans 2022 to 2025, was due to expire on 31st December 2025, hence the need to prepare a new one to guide the Assembly’s development priorities for the next four years.
He emphasised that the planning process must be participatory, stressing the principle of “leaving no one behind.”
Mr. Oduro stated that the 2026–2029 plan would reflect the aspirations of the current government, particularly its agenda of creating job opportunities and ensuring prosperity for all, in line with the broader Resetting Ghana agenda being championed by the new administration.
He noted that challenges such as waste management, poor lighting systems, faulty traffic signals, and deteriorated road surfaces were among the key concerns raised during engagements and would be prioritised in the final plan.
He reiterated that continuous dialogue would be essential in fostering mutual understanding between the Assembly and the communities, ultimately helping to resolve longstanding development issues collaboratively and sustainably.
The Assembly Member for the New Mamprobi electoral area, Hon. Nathaniel Welbeck, raised strong concerns over the deplorable state of infrastructure and sanitation in his electoral area, calling on the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the central government to take urgent action.
Speaking during a community engagement meeting organized by AMA to prepare the next Medium Term Development Plan (2026–2029), Hon. Welbeck highlighted several pressing issues, including the lack of drainage systems, choked gutters, widespread open defecation, and poor road conditions in communities such as Old Dansoman, Banana Inn, and I.B.E.
During the engagement, residents actively voiced their concerns and development priorities, which were subsequently ranked in order of importance to guide the planning process.
Sanitation and waste management emerged as the top priority, followed by traffic light improvements (2), road infrastructure (3), and security (4).
Other issues included poor drainage systems (5), inadequate lighting (6), limited health facilities (7), persistent open defecation (8), erosion (9), and the absence of recreational parks (10).
Present at the event were Assembly members, traditional leaders, heads of department at AMA, sub metro directors, staff of AMA and residents, among others.
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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