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.
Minority Leader in parliament, Alexander Osahen Afenyo Markin has raised concerns about the direction of the country one year after the 2024 general election, warning that Ghana’s democracy may be under threat if current governance trends are not checked.
In a statement reflecting on the year since Ghanaians voted for change, he noted that while the New Patriotic Party hoped for victory, the people chose differently and the outcome was respected as the will of the electorate.
He stressed that winning power comes with responsibility and not the freedom to govern without caution.
The Minority Leader argued that the removal of key public officials reflected a worrying pattern.
These included the dismissal of workers from state institutions, the exit of the Chief Justice, and ongoing processes affecting the Electoral Commission leadership and the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
He described the development as retribution rather than renewal and questioned the government’s promises on jobs and the 24 hour economy.
Addressing President John Dramani Mahama directly, he urged him to use his rare second return to office to build a legacy of development rather than removals.
He explained that global history shows that leaders who return to power after defeat are few, stressing that such an opportunity should lead to transformation that benefits citizens.
He encouraged the President to invest in technology, artificial intelligence and modern economic growth models to position Ghana for global competition.
He warned that no country will wait for Ghana while others advance through digital innovation.
The statement further pointed to youth unemployment and frustration, noting that campaign foot soldiers who worked hard during elections have been left disappointed.
He warned that ignoring young people could lead to instability.
He urged the media to uphold its watchdog duty by speaking up against constitutional breaches rather than seeking comfort in silence.
He explained that the Minority wants the government to succeed because national progress benefits everyone, not only one political side.
The Minority Leader maintained that although democracy is not perfect, it remains the best system since it allows peaceful correction through elections.
He encouraged citizens to trust the ballot and not violence.
He encouraged President Mahama to resist party hawks and focus on national development, stating that the world is watching how Ghana uses this moment in history.
He called on leaders across the political divide to remember they are custodians of the Republic and must work to protect the nation’s democratic future.
He concluded by urging young people not to lose hope, stressing that change comes through democratic processes, and reminding all leaders that Ghana’s stability depends on responsible governance, unity and development oriented action.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central Kwame Asare Obeng, widely known as A Plus, is calling on young people to take hypertension seriously by checking their blood pressure regularly and taking prescribed medication to prevent sudden deaths and stroke.
In a message shared to the public, the MP noted that cases of young people dying from high blood pressure are rising, even though the condition is preventable.
He mentioned that many refuse to go for checkups, and those who later discover they have hypertension still stop or avoid taking their medication.
He expressed worry that some men refuse treatment because they believe blood pressure drugs affect their sexual performance, a belief he described as misleading.
A Plus stressed that staying alive and healthy should be the priority, adding that complications from uncontrolled hypertension could lead to stroke and long term disability.
He encouraged the youth, especially men, to get their blood pressure tested and take treatment seriously to protect their health and future.
A Plus urged the public to spread the message so more people will take action on their health.
By: Jacob Aggrey
