News
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.
FOR patrons at a special thanksgiving concert held in honour of parishioners, benefactors and friends at the St. Monica Catholic Rectory at Fan Milk, Accra, Rev. Fr Bonaventure Kweku Quaidoo will continue to be seen as a man of many parts.
Usually seen dressed resplendently in his cassock, Rev. Fr. Bonaventure is known by the faithful as a preacher of the word despite his background in music.
But on this auspicious occasion, the Rector, Rev. Fr Bonaventure Kweku Quaidoo, assumed the role of a conductor of the Central Ceremonial Band of the Ghana Police Service.
In front of the band wielding the conductor’s baton, Rev. Fr Bonaventure conducted the band as they gave a rendition of some of the spiritual hymns of the faithful, thrilling the audience in the event under the theme “An Evening of the Performing Arts in Thanksgiving to Beloved Parishioners, Benefactors and Friends.”
It was attended by the clergy, parishioners and invited guests for an evening that blended sacred reflection with artistic performance.
The Chaplain-General of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Very Rev. Fr George Arthur, opened the programme with prayer, while the closing benediction was given by Very Rev. Fr. Isaac Ebo Blay, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Society.
A highlight of the evening was a classical performance by Dr Kyoung Ok Kim of the University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts, who reinterpreted Ghanaian melodies to the delight of the audience.
Ordained in 1990, Rev. Fr Quaidoo is a trained musician and former member of the National Symphony Orchestra. Over the past 35 years, he has served in the dioceses of Tamale, Damongo and Accra, integrating music into his pastoral ministry.
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THE 41st Farmers’ Day was held last Friday in the Volta Region, honouring outstanding farmers that contributed immensely in the sustenance of the country’s food basket.
This year’s celebration was themed “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future”, reflecting the government’s emphasis on strengthening food systems, promoting local consumption, and building long-term resilience in the agricultural sector.
It was attended by the President, John Dramani Mahama, Minister of Agriculture, Mr Ernest Opoku, Regional Ministers and Paramount Chief of Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV.
The week-long observance began on December 1, at the Ho Sports Stadium with the official opening of the 2025 National Agricultural Fair.
An 82 year-old farmer, Mr Opanin Abraham Kwaku Adusei from Kwawu Odumase in the Afram Plains District of the Eastern Region, was adjudged the 2025 National Best Farmer.
President Mahama commended the farmers for their dedication and pivotal role in advancing the country’s agricultural sector.
The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku, also attributed the current food glut to innovation and resilience of farmers.
Established in 1985, Farmers’ Day has grown into one of Ghana’s most significant national events—celebrating the enduring contributions of farmers and fishers to the nation’s development and economic stability.
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