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The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has cut sod to commence six development projects spanning the education, health, roads and water sectors across the Ashiedu Keteke, Ablekuma South and Okaikoi South Sub-Metropolitan Districts, as part of efforts to improve basic services and accelerate community infrastructure delivery in the capital.
The projects include the renovation of a three-storey, nine-unit classroom block at the Private Odartey Lamptey Basic School, upgrades at the Makola Clinic, and road reshaping, base preparation and paving along the Kwame Nkrumah Avenue corridor in Accra’s Central Business District.
Other components of the project package include the drilling and mechanisation of 10 boreholes in selected schools in Ablekuma South, as well as the construction of nine water storage facilities in selected markets in Okaikoi South, alongside related community infrastructure works.
Speaking in an interview at the school, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, said the projects are expected to be completed within four to 10 months, depending on scope, and are being funded through the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) and the Assembly’s Internally Generated Fund (IGF).
He expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for sustaining support to metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies through the Common Fund to drive local development. He also acknowledged the guidance and support he said he continues to receive from senior colleagues with extensive experience in local governance.
The Mayor called on residents to support the Assembly’s development agenda, stressing that governance must be driven by action and service delivery, and reaffirmed the AMA’s commitment to delivering visible improvements across communities.
He further urged contractors executing the projects to work according to specifications, deliver quality outcomes and adhere strictly to agreed timelines to ensure value for money and improved services for residents.
At a separate sod-cutting ceremony for the drilling and mechanisation of a borehole at Korle Gonno (Korle Boys), the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuijie, said the intervention forms part of a broader plan to provide 10 boreholes in selected schools across the metropolis to address persistent water challenges.
The MP explained that the initiative was necessitated by the financial constraints facing many schools, noting that institutions that previously depended on Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) contributions were increasingly unable to raise sufficient funds.
He said the Assembly, working with his office, prioritised the boreholes to improve water supply and sanitation in schools, particularly following lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic on the importance of hygiene and regular handwashing.
On the road works, Mr Vanderpuijie said he had consistently urged the Mayor to prioritise the rehabilitation of the deteriorated road due to the hardship it imposed on residents, motorists and commuters.
He noted that the poor condition of the road disrupted vehicular movement and exacerbated flooding during rainy periods, making the area difficult to access, and linked the intervention to President Mahama’s commitment to improving living conditions.
While an initial completion timeline of six months had been indicated, the MP said he would push for faster delivery within three months, urging contractors to work round-the-clock in line with the government’s 24-hour economy policy to provide early relief to residents and road users.
