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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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Govt urged to provide safe, supportive environment for menstruating girls
The government has been urged to take urgent steps toward providing a safe and supportive environment for menstruating girls to ensure proper personal hygiene and promote school attendance.
Sarah Nkansah Boateng, a midwife at the Eastern Regional Hospital made the call during a forum organised as part of activities to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration in the New Juaben North Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The event was held under the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”
She noted that many girls skip school during their menstrual periods due to a lack of access to sanitary products and appropriate spaces to change them.
“The basic necessities for these girls are not being provided; creating a safe and enabling environment is crucial,” Madam Boateng emphasized.
She called on school authorities and policymakers to prioritise the construction of hygienic and private changing spaces in schools.
She further appealed for a collective effort to address menstrual health challenges affecting girls in the community.
The New Juaben North Municipal Director of Health Services, Nana Yaa Konadu, also highlighted her office’s initiatives in both school-based and community clinics to educate young girls on menstrual hygiene.
She stressed the health implications of poor menstrual hygiene, saying, “When girls lack access to sanitary pads and a clean environment, it can negatively impact their reproductive health.”
Madam Konadu warned that the absence of menstrual hygiene facilities and products left some girls vulnerable to exploitation, increasing the risk of teenage pregnancy.
The Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben North, Mr Samuel Adongo, described menstruation as a natural biological process and not a taboo or burden.
He expressed concern over the poor state of sanitation facilities in schools.
“I have visited almost all public schools in the municipality, and none has a proper, standard toilet facility suitable for girls,” he stated.
Mr Adongo assured that the assembly would work to create an enabling environment to reduce school absenteeism related to menstruation.
“Too many girls are missing school because of their menstrual cycle, and this is unacceptable,” he added.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
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Akwesi Agyeman, Ekpe vow to lead GJA to ‘era of purpose and professionalism’
As the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) prepares for its national elections, two of the key contenders, General Secretary Aspirant Akwasi Agyeman and Vice Presidential hopeful Rebecca Ekpe have called for a return to ethical journalism, stronger mentorship and institutional reforms.
They both made the remarks during separate visits to The Spectator and The Ghanaian Times, respectively to solicit for votes.
Akwasi Agyeman, an Editor with Multimedia is seeking to lead the association into what he calls a “new era of purpose and professionalism.”
He stressed the urgent need to reposition the GJA as a strong and relevant voice in national affairs.
“We cannot continue with business as usual. The GJA must be visible, active, and fearless in advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists,” he said during a meeting with media practitioners in Accra.
Mr. Agyeman noted that his leadership will focus on building partnerships, improving member services, and restoring the dignity of the Association. “We need to rekindle the spirit of solidarity within the GJA and provide real value to members, especially the younger generation,” he added.
Ms Rebecca Ekpe, a respected Broadcast Journalist and Editor, echoed similar sentiments in her call for mentorship and capacity building.
“I discovered through my journey that journalism is not just my job, it is who I am. My path in journalism was shaped by my seniors in the newsroom, and now I feel called to give back,” she said.
Ms Ekpe envisions a GJA where senior journalists regularly engage with young professionals through face-to-face mentoring and training platforms. “Even if you attend a session and pick just one idea, it could change the course of your career,” she remarked.
She also raised concerns about the rise of misinformation and the blurred lines between journalism and social media content creation. “People sit online insulting others and call themselves journalists. When they are attacked, GJA defends them, but we must ask: are they truly journalists? We must protect the integrity of our profession,” she stressed.
The Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo wished them well in their campaigns and quest to serve the GJA.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
