The Greater Accra Regional Minister Hon. Linda Ocloo, has issued a strong call to action to members of the newly constituted Greater Accra Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC), urging them to prioritize equitable development, sanitation, flood management, and efficient governance in line with their constitutional mandate.
Speaking at the first RCC meeting since their confirmation, Hon. Ocloo congratulated members on their appointment and highlighted the critical role the Council plays as the highest policy-making and coordinating body in the region, as stipulated under Article 255 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 186 of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936).
Key Mandates and Early Achievements
Hon. Ocloo outlined several responsibilities of the RCC, including coordinating regional development activities, monitoring Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and ensuring effective collaboration among decentralized departments.
Within her first few months in office, she reported significant progress. Notably, 70% of the region’s streetlights were made operational within the first 50 days—part of her broader commitment to safety and readiness for a 24-hour economy. However, theft and maintenance issues persist, prompting a call for stronger audits and community partnerships to sustain the gains.
Sanitation a Top Priority
Sanitation remains a major concern in the region. Hon. Ocloo emphasized that poor waste disposal, open defecation, and illegal dumping continue to undermine development. She directed MMDAs to enforce sanitation by-laws, promote behavioral change, and partner with private waste management companies.
She highlighted the upcoming National Sanitation Day initiative, championed by the President, and noted that sanitation has now become a key performance indicator for all MMDCEs. An award scheme will soon be introduced to recognize best-performing Assemblies.
She added that a monthly Regional Sanitation Day was introduced at the start of her tenure, though temporarily suspended in preparation for the national campaign. Nevertheless, Assemblies were encouraged to continue local cleanup efforts.
Flood Management and Infrastructure Protection
Hon. Ocloo expressed concern over Greater Accra’s vulnerability to flooding, particularly due to its low-lying topography. She referenced the June 3rd flood and fire disaster at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to avoid future tragedies.
To that end, she noted the RCC’s collaboration with MMDAs and other agencies to desilt drains and demolish illegal structures around Ramsar sites and waterways. She stressed the importance of shifting from reactive responses to long-term flood management strategies.
Revenue Mobilization and Innovation
The Regional Minister applauded Assemblies that have adopted cashless and digital systems for internally generated funds (IGF), saying such steps promote transparency and accountability. By the end of the first quarter of 2025, MMDAs had collectively mobilized over GHS 80 million, representing 23% of their total annual budget.
Kpone Katamanso Municipal Assembly led the way with GHS 8.4 million (38.5% of its budget), while Ayawaso North trailed with GHS 316,643 (19.8%).
Hon. Ocloo reminded members that District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) allocations would be released only after the submission of their 2025 Budgets and Workplans. She urged strict adherence to Cabinet-approved guidelines for DACF utilization, warning that the RCC will monitor compliance as part of its oversight responsibilities.
Monitoring, Development Planning, and Capacity Building
Hon. Ocloo announced quarterly review meetings with all MMDCEs to track performance, share best practices, and resolve challenges. She reminded Assemblies of the June 30 deadline to submit their 2026–2029 Medium-Term Development Plans (MTDPs) to the National Development Planning Commission, as these will form the basis for future budgets.
She expressed concern over the under-resourcing of sub-district structures such as Zonal and Area Councils, which she believes should play more significant roles in grassroots development beyond revenue collection.
According to first-quarter data, 207 out of 372 projects across the region have been completed, though many still have outstanding payments. The remaining 165 projects are either ongoing or abandoned. Hon. Ocloo urged Assemblies to complete outstanding projects before initiating new ones, in line with government directives.
Looking Ahead
Hon. Ocloo acknowledged capacity-building programmes being rolled out by the Ministry for MMDCEs and announced that the RCC had invited a seasoned local government expert to provide further insights into the local governance system during the session.
She reaffirmed her commitment to the President’s “Reset Agenda” and called on members of the RCC to work together to deliver impactful development.
> “The RCC is more than a statutory body; it is a catalyst for transformation. Let us uphold its integrity and work together for the good of our people,” Hon. Linda Ocloo concluded.