The Greater Accra Regional Minister has encouraged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to demonstrate stronger leadership and renewed commitment in the delivery of their mandates.
Speaking at an engagement with journalists dubbed “Time with the Media”, the Minister said the platform was designed to provide updates on key activities under the government’s Reset Agenda while also deepening transparency and accountability.
She explained that, unlike the previous session which took place before the assumption of office of the MMDCEs, this engagement provided an opportunity for them to brief the public directly on progress made within their jurisdictions.
Streetlights: Two Weeks to Act
Highlighting safety and security concerns, the Minister announced that the Ministry of Energy had secured 3,000 streetlights, with each MMDA allocated 100. She urged the Chief Executives to ensure that the lights are fixed within two weeks, stressing the importance of streetlighting to public safety and the government’s 24-hour economy initiative.
Sanitation: Core Responsibility
The Minister noted that sanitation continues to be a challenge in the region, despite the availability of resources such as the sanitation component of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF). She encouraged Assemblies to intensify their efforts in keeping the environment clean, desilting drains, and mobilizing youth for community sanitation initiatives.
Billboards and Drain Covers
On urban management, the Minister called for stricter enforcement of regulations on billboards to prevent unauthorized structures and ensure public safety. She also urged Assemblies to collaborate with the Police in curbing the theft of drain covers, which poses safety hazards for residents.
Role of Personal Assistants
Addressing internal administration, the Minister clarified that Personal Assistants (PAs) are to support MMDCEs with scheduling and administrative tasks, but not to take over official responsibilities or represent them at meetings. She emphasized the need for proper leadership and accountability within the Assemblies.
Environmental Protection
The Minister further underscored the importance of protecting the environment, particularly the Ramsar Site and the Laloi Lagoon in Ningo-Prampram. She assured that the Regional Coordinating Council, in collaboration with relevant agencies, would continue to safeguard such areas against illegal encroachment and activities that threaten sustainability.
Performance Benchmarks
Going forward, the Minister indicated that the performance of MMDCEs would be assessed based on three critical areas: sanitation, streetlights, and enforcement of by-laws.
She also encouraged the public to play their part by reporting faulty streetlights, practicing good sanitation habits, and refraining from unauthorized mounting of billboards.
“The people of Greater Accra deserve visible results, and together we must deliver on that expectation,” the Minister said.