‘Place metro guards on Controller and Accountant General’s Dept payroll’

The Chairman of the Ghana National Guards Union (GHAN­GU), Mr Mawuli Ahiakpor, has appealed to the Minister of Local Government to facili­tate the placement of metro guards onto the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) payroll system.

Mr Ahiakpor made the call at the 5th National Guard Meeting held at the Sekon­di-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, where he under­scored the critical role of Metro Guards in the opera­tions of Metropolitan, Munic­ipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

He explained that Metro Guards play a dual role of revenue mobilisation and law enforcement, yet their condi­tions of service do not reflect the risks and responsibilities they bear.

“Metro Guards ensure that the Assembly’s by-laws are strictly enforced, particularly in areas such as sanitation, street trading, and land use. They also play a vital role in disaster rescue and recovery operations, safeguarding lives and property during emer­gencies.

The GHANGU Chairman stressed that despite these important contributions, Met­ro Guards face several chal­lenges, particularly regarding remuneration, welfare, and career development.

He therefore outlined a number of key requests on behalf of the Union, which include uniform allowance, insurance cover, risk allow­ance etc.

According to Mr Ahiakpor addressing these issues would not only improve the welfare of Metro Guards but also en­hance their efficien­cy and commitment to duty. He therefore urged the Ministry of Local Government and other relevant authorities to act swiftly to place Metro Guards on the national payroll and provide the neces­sary allowances and incentives.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Metro Guards Unit in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropoli­tan Assembly (STMA), Chief Ernest Awuah, encouraged personnel to use the gath­ering as an opportunity to reflect their achievements, learn from each other, and grow collectively.

Chief Awuah further noted that the presence of Met­ro Guards underscores the importance of their shared mission to protect communi­ties and highlights the need for collaboration in strength­ening public security.

Providing historical con­text, he explained that the Metro Guard Unit was carved out of the Youth Brigade and established in 1964 by Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, to assist the Assemblies in revenue generation and mobilisation, as well as perform other basic policing duties.

 By Linda Abrefi Wadie