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We are going to reset Accra- New AMA Boss
The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has pledged to reset the capital city’s development agenda in alignment with President John Dramani Mahama’s national vision to “Reset Ghana,” promising a new era of inclusive, accountable, and transformative leadership.
Speaking at his confirmation ceremony on Tuesday, after securing 100 per cent of the votes cast by the Assembly Members of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Mr.Allotey declared: “We are going to reset Accra—from now. It begins now.”
He re-echoed President Mahama’s broader agenda to “Reset Ghana” and affirmed that Accra would not be left behind in this national renewal effort.
“Today, I hold the baton as Mayor of Accra. My predecessor has done her part but now it’s my turn. There is no window for failure. I will seek guidance from those who came before me and work with every stakeholder to drive meaningful change,” he said.
He thanked Almighty God for the opportunity and expressed deep gratitude to President Mahama for appointing him to lead Ghana’s capital at such a critical time, describing himself as “a young man from North Kaneshie.”
Addressing the gathering in Ga, Mr. Allotey pledged to uphold and honour the cultural heritage of the Ga people, stating that it was fitting to recognise the custodians of the land, while reaffirming his commitment to work closely with traditional authorities to ensure development respects the cultural and historical heritage of the city.
Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, who supervised the voting process, in a statement prior to the voting, called on Assembly Members to uphold their constitutional mandate by confirming the President’s nominee for the position of Metropolitan Chief Executive.
She underscored AMA’s strategic importance, describing it as “the centre of Greater Accra,” and urged the members not to let politics hinder progress.
The Council of State representative for Greater Accra and Chairman of the Economic and Social Development Committee, Nene Drolor Bosso Adamtey I who was present called for bold and visionary leadership, urging Mr. Allotey to tackle the city’s pressing challenges such as sanitation, urban congestion, housing, youth unemployment, and social equity with innovation and integrity.
Mr. Allotey is a seasoned entrepreneur, logistics expert, and development-minded politician with over a decade of experience in the real estate, petroleum, and transportation sectors.
Before his appointment, Mr Allotey, an advocate for public-private partnerships, served as CEO of Our God Is Good Real Estate.
He also served in other leadership positions, including General Manager at KYG Consultancy and Lubricants, EXOLUBE Company Ltd, and Transport Manager at DIMD Ghana, where he introduced logistics reforms that enhanced operational efficiency and reduced costs.
Mr. Allotey also served as Director of Operations for the Okaikwei South Constituency and held several leadership roles within the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The confirmation ceremony, which took place amidst drumming and jubilation, was attended by Assembly Members, government off
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Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
