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Engagement; pledges 24-hour security, sanitation taskforce to transform Accra Metropolis
The new Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has held his maiden stakeholder engagement with key interest groups in the capital, pledging to work to reset Accra’s development trajectory and make the city cleaner, safer, and more inclusive.
The engagement, held at the Omanye Aba Hall of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), on the Mayor’s second day in office, brought together market leaders, transport unions, representatives of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Traditional Authorities, Civil Society Actors, and Assembly members to discuss challenges and explore opportunities for sustainable urban transformation.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Allotey expressed deep appreciation to the stakeholders for honouring the invitation and revealed plans to introduce a 24-hour city operation model, including a clean-up and security task force that would help improve sanitation and ensure safety, particularly for businesses operating late into the night.
“We’re bringing 24-hour security and a clean-up task force so that you will be able to work in the evening without fear, and we will create more employment opportunities through this approach,” he said.
The Mayor pledged to work closely with all groups to address them systematically, calling for unity and action.
He also promised that within six months, “our environment will be very clean, very tidy,” pointing out that the filth in Accra had become unacceptable and needed urgent attention.
The President of the Greater Accra Markets Association, Hon. Mercy Naa Afrowa Needjan, commended the Mayor for initiating the stakeholder engagement so early in his tenure and described the meeting as a much-needed familiarisation exercise that allowed market leaders to interact directly with the Mayor and offer first-hand accounts of conditions on the ground.
Mr. Needjan outlined several concerns facing markets across the capital, including rampant street trading, inadequate security, and deteriorating infrastructure in older market facilities.
“Street trading is one of our biggest problems, and some of our markets urgently need renovation. We know the problems can’t be solved in a day, but bit by bit, we believe improvements can be made,” she stated.
The Secretary General of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Alhaji Alpha Shaban, described the meeting as a positive first step and emphasised the longstanding and inseparable partnership between GUTA and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).
Alhaji Shaban urged the Assembly to take a proactive approach by setting up a technical committee to verify the concerns raised during the meeting, to help build consensus and make the implementation of solutions more effective.
Representatives from the Timber Market lamented the long walking distances within the market space, stressing the need for improved infrastructure and accessibility.
Leaders of the Ghana Road Coordinating Council expressed concern about the deplorable state of many transport terminals across the city and called on the Assembly to lead efforts in standardising and upgrading these terminals for efficient operations.
Transport operators, including officials from the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Property Transport Association, expressed concerns over how drivers often struggle for space due to traders operating along the roadsides, leading to traffic congestion, delays, and increased fuel consumption.
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
