Greater Accra Minister list sanitation as her topmost priority

Newly sworn-in Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo has announced security and sanitation as her key priority areas for the country’s capital city.

Outlining her vision for the region in her first meeting with the management and staff of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council on February 3, Linda Ocloo announced the reintroduction of the Regional Sanitation Day and an award scheme for the cleanest city, aimed at improving sanitation in the capital.

She stated that municipal and local district assemblies would be supported to become self-sustaining as part of the new government’s “Resetting Agenda.”

She further revealed her intention to work closely with the traditional authorities alongside religious organizations to deepen decentralization and participatory governance.

“I will closely work with traditional authorities, religious organizations, and other stakeholders to deepen decentralization and enhance participatory governance.”

She also added that, “MMDCEs and districts will be empowered to improve revenue generation to ensure sustainable development at the local level.

“Strengthening of the Zonal and the area councils will continue to monitor and provide technical backstopping to MMDAs as mandated by the Local Governance Act 936”

Also, the Minister announced a 50-day timeline to restore street lights across the city.

She is targeting that at least 70% of the lights should be fixed within the time frame.

“Within my first 50 days in office, we will ensure that most of these issues are resolved. While it may not be entirely complete, we are committed to fixing at least 70% of them,” she said.

In response to growing concerns about the impact of street hawkers on traffic flow, the Minister assured the public that a more forceful approach would be adopted.

“We are going to enforce the law. The task forces of the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) along with the security services will be used to address this issue. We are committed to sustaining this initiative,” she said.

Additionally, the Shai Osuduku MP addressed the issue of flooding, acknowledging the ongoing GARID [Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development] project, which has been active since 2019.

This initiative focuses on improving drainage systems, especially around the Odaw basin in Accra, to prevent flooding.

“We are working to fast-track this project, and it will resolve the flooding issues,” she assured.

On the matter of urban planning and inappropriate construction practices, the Minister emphasised the need for better enforcement of building permit regulations.