The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced plans to amend its bye-laws to address growing urban heat risks and strengthen public health protection in the capital.
Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, disclosed this after a management meeting on Monday, explaining that the move follows a review of the Assembly’s governance framework.
He said the assessment, which covered the Assembly’s Resilience Strategy, Medium-Term Development Plan (2026–2029), and existing regulations, revealed significant gaps in responding to extreme heat conditions.
According to the Mayor, the proposed amendments will formally recognise heat as a public health risk and empower the Assembly to implement and enforce measures during periods of extreme weather.
The revised bye-laws are expected to introduce safety provisions across key areas such as markets, transport terminals and temporary structures, where exposure to high temperatures is most prevalent.
Mr. Allotey noted that the reforms are part of broader efforts to align the Assembly’s policies with changing climate conditions while safeguarding vulnerable groups, including outdoor workers and residents in high-risk communities.
