The Greater Accra Regional Minister Hon. Linda Akweley Ocloo has called on newly confirmed Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to take bold and innovative steps to address key developmental challenges facing the region, particularly in the areas of sanitation, infrastructure, and revenue mobilization.
Speaking at a maidan meeting with the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chiefs Executives, the Minister commended them on their successful confirmation and thanked their Co-ordinating Directors for holding the fort during the transition period. She noted that their selection by the President and endorsement by their respective Assemblies was a clear sign of confidence in their leadership, capabilities, and dedication to public service.
Hon. Ocloo emphasized that Greater Accra has entered a new phase of development, guided by the President’s vision to transform Accra into a clean, green, and dignified city. He stressed that sanitation is now a key performance indicator by which all Chief Executives will be assessed. He urged them to tackle the region’s sanitation challenges, which include poor waste disposal, illegal dumping, open defecation, and choked drains. He called for intensified public education, strict enforcement of sanitation by-laws, and active collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders. He also announced plans for a National Sanitation Day Exercise to be launched by the President and revealed that an award scheme would be instituted to recognize the best performing Assemblies in the area of sanitation. He particularly commended the Chief Executives of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly for their efforts in decongesting the Central Business District.
Turning attention to infrastructure, the Minister highlighted the need for improved street lighting across the region. He noted that upon assuming office, he committed to ensuring that 70% of streetlights in the region were operational within 50 days—a target that was achieved. However, she pointed out that issues such as theft and sustainability remain a challenge and called on the MMDCEs to maintain momentum in ensuring a well-lit environment in support of the 24-hour economy policy.
On the issue of flooding, the Greater Accra Regional Minister urged decisive and long-term measures, including decongestion of waterways, enforcement of planning regulations, and regular desilting of drains. Adding that, these efforts must be coordinated across the 17 MMDAs under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project.
Hon. Ocloo further disclosed that a demolishing exercise would soon take place at the Ramsar site as part of efforts to mitigate flood risks.
Addressing financial sustainability, the Greater Accra Regional Minister emphasized that revenue remains the lifeblood of local development. He encouraged Assemblies to adopt innovative revenue mobilization strategies, pointing to the success of the cashless system implemented by the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly as a model to be studied and adapted to promote accountability and ensure progress, the Minister announced that quarterly performance review meetings will be instituted. These meetings will provide a platform for assessing progress, sharing best practices, and resolving common challenges. She urged MMDCEs to work harmoniously with their teams, respect established hierarchies, and support the preparation of the Medium-Term Development Plan, which is expected to be submitted to the National Development Planning Commission by June 30, 2025. She, however, assured that the Regional Co-ordinating Council will provide the necessary technical support to facilitate this process.
Hon. Ocloo reaffirmed her commitment to an open-door policy and encouraged MMDCEs to share ideas, proposals, and concerns that will help advance the President’s RESET Agenda for Greater Accra. He expressed confidence in their ability to deliver on their mandate and called for unity, mutual respect, and shared purpose in building a region that all Ghanaians can be proud of.
The deputy minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs n member of Parliament for La Dadekotopon, Hon. Rita Odorley Sowah pledged the support of all Members of Parliament in the region in ensuring development and in driving the vision of His Excellency the President, John Dramani Mahama.
Hon. Allotey Gaisi, the MCE for Korle Klottey who spoke on behalf of the MMDCEs, also pledged their support to the Resetting agenda.