The Accra Metropolitan Assembly has held discussions with the United States Embassy in Ghana on urban development reforms, market restructuring, transport systems, and private sector investment opportunities in the capital.
The meeting brought together the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, and Political Officer at the U.S. Embassy, Michael Kmiecinski, and focused on ongoing efforts to modernise Accra’s infrastructure and improve city management systems.
Mayor Allotey outlined key reforms currently being implemented by the Assembly, including strengthened procurement processes that require open advertisement and competitive bidding for all contracts in line with public procurement laws.
He explained that funding from the District Assemblies Common Fund was now being tied to specific development priorities such as sanitation, health, education, and infrastructure, a system he said has improved efficiency and accountability in the use of public resources.
The Mayor disclosed that the AMA has so far received about GH₵23 million from its 2025 allocation, which is being used to support initiatives such as 24-hour market operations and job creation programmes.
He further noted that more than 200 workers have been engaged under the 24-hour system, deployed across sanitation, security, and revenue mobilisation to improve service delivery.
On market redevelopment, the Mayor said the Assembly is working to relocate traders from streets into structured facilities to ease congestion, with plans underway for modernised versions of major trading hubs including Makola Market, Salaga Market, Tuesday Market, and London Market.
He added that the projects would include essential facilities such as health centres, security posts, and organised trading spaces, with funding models such as public-private partnerships and build-operate-transfer arrangements under consideration.
On transport, he announced plans to introduce a city metro bus system alongside complementary measures such as electric buses, small electric vehicles, and bicycle lanes, as part of efforts to reduce congestion in the Central Business District.
Mr. Kmiecinski noted that American companies are interested in investment environments with transparent and competitive procurement systems, adding that such reforms could open opportunities for U.S. participation in Accra’s development agenda.
He also raised governance and administrative issues, including land management roles played by traditional authorities, with the Mayor acknowledging the continued influence of chiefs, particularly the Ga Mantse, in land administration.
The meeting also highlighted challenges local authorities face in accessing international platforms, including visa-related constraints.
Present at the meeting were the AMA Coordinating Director, Douglas N.K. Annoful, and Head of International Relations, Bashiru Salifu.
