News
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
Hot!
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.
Hot!
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.
