The Accra Metropolitan Assembly has engaged the United States Embassy in Ghana in discussions aimed at advancing urban development reforms and boosting investment opportunities in the capital.
The meeting brought together the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, and U.S. Embassy Political Officer, Michael Kmiecinski, focusing on strategies to modernise infrastructure and enhance city management systems.
Mayor Allotey highlighted key reforms being implemented by the Assembly, including strengthened procurement processes that ensure open advertisement and competitive bidding for all contracts in line with public procurement laws.
He explained that funding from the District Assemblies Common Fund is now tied to priority sectors such as sanitation, health, education, and infrastructure, a move aimed at improving efficiency and accountability in public spending.
According to the Mayor, the AMA has received approximately GH₵23 million from its 2025 allocation, which is being used to support initiatives including 24-hour market operations and job creation programmes. He noted that over 200 workers have been engaged under the system, contributing to sanitation, security, and revenue mobilisation.
On market redevelopment, the Assembly is working to decongest the city by relocating traders from the streets into structured facilities. Planned upgrades include modernisation of major trading centres such as Makola Market, Salaga Market, Tuesday Market, and London Market.
These projects are expected to incorporate essential amenities such as health centres, security posts, and organised trading spaces, with funding models including public-private partnerships and build-operate-transfer arrangements under consideration.
On transport, the Mayor announced plans to introduce a city metro bus system, alongside complementary initiatives such as electric buses, small electric vehicles, and bicycle lanes to reduce congestion in the Central Business District.
Mr. Kmiecinski noted that American companies are more likely to invest in environments with transparent and competitive procurement systems, adding that such reforms could enhance U.S. participation in Accra’s development.
The discussions also touched on governance challenges, including land administration roles played by traditional authorities, with the Mayor acknowledging the influence of the Ga Mantse in such matters.
Present at the meeting were AMA Coordinating Director, Douglas N.K. Annoful, and Head of International Relations, Bashiru Salifu.
