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Makola No. 2 traders jubilate as regional minister orders handover of market to AMA
Traders at the Makola No. 2 Market in Agbogbloshie have welcomed a directive by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, to hand over the management of the market to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).
The traders burst into jubilation when the minister announced the decision during a meeting with market women aimed at addressing concerns about sanitation, management, and the cost of doing business at the market.
According to the minister, the current state of the market showed that business was not progressing well.
She said many traders had complained that the money collected from them was not reflected in visible improvements in the market.
Ms. Ocloo said the concerns of the traders were first brought to her attention by the First Lady of Ghana, Lordina Mahama, after traders staged a demonstration over conditions at the market.
She explained that she later discussed the issue with the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, and urged him to visit the market to listen to the traders and work with them to find practical solutions.
The minister said that when the mayor visited the market, there was a heap of refuse on the premises. However, she noted that arrangements had since been made to clear the waste.
She added that some streetlights in parts of the market had been repaired, while work was ongoing to improve the area where traders buy water through tiling and proper pavement.
Ms. Ocloo further explained that under the Local Government Act (Ghana), markets or shops that are built and operated for a period must eventually be handed over to the local assembly.
She said although there had been challenges with the management of the market, the traders were pleased with the decision because it would allow their concerns to reach the appropriate authorities and ensure better administration.
For his part, the mayor of Accra, Micheal Kpakpo Allotey said the assembly had already started responding to some of the traders’ concerns.
He recalled that during his previous visit, the market was engulfed in filth but said the waste was cleared shortly afterwards.
By: Jacob Aggrey
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth-400x240.jpg)
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth-80x80.jpg)
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Accra Technical University (ATU) on Tuesday officially launched its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 in Accra, aimed at driving innovation and strengthening institutional capacity across key operational areas.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Humphrey Awuletey Williams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oswal Investments Limited, explained that the strategic plan seeks to respond to emerging challenges while positioning the institution as a forward-thinking leader in development.
He urged the university’s leadership to leverage their expertise to train students to be innovative and produce competitive products for both African and international markets.
According to him, employers increasingly demand competence-based human capital beyond academic certificates to drive development.
Mr Williams commended the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, and other stakeholders for developing what he described as a ‘formative tool,’ and encouraged them to ensure its full implementation.
The Vice Chancellor of ATU, Mr Amevi Acapkvovi, emphasised that the strategic plan focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
“The strategic plan is not just a document, but a commitment to excellence, accountability and progress,” he said, adding that inclusivity is also central to the institution’s operations.
He outlined seven key focus areas of the plan: industry-based education; digital transformation and modernised infrastructure; quality assurance and institutional excellence; industry-driven research, innovation and entrepreneurship; staff development, motivation and welfare; strategic partnerships and increased visibility; and sustainable and green technologies.
Prof. Ernest Abotsi, stressed that the plan must not ‘gather dust’ but should be actively implemented to achieve success.
“Currently, ATU is adopting measures to assess the cost of running the institution, and this plan will serve as a guide to promote the university at every level,” he said.
Stakeholders present lauded the initiative, noting that its clear framework and measurable targets would help track progress and ensure transparency in the institution’s operations.
The university expressed confidence that, with support from partners and staff, the plan would significantly contribute to national development and set a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
The ceremony brought together stakeholders from government, traditional leadership, academia, industry, and civil society.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
It was an exciting moment as hundreds of revellers from various parts of Accra trooped to the Independence Square beach in Osu to celebrate Easter.
Dressed in all kinds of beach costumes, parents were seen with their children having fun and enjoying the moment.
Others made the best of their outing by engaging in other fun activities.
The revellers engaged in games such as football, ampe, athletics while others just sat, relaxed to release stress amidst music provided by some revellers.
By Lizzy Okai
