Greater Accra Regional Minister Henry Quartey has criticised Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in Accra for their lacklustre performance in addressing issues of indiscipline within the city.
Such poor performance, he noted, has resulted in somebody starting a tomato and onion market in front of former President John Mahama’s private residence within the La Dadekotopon constituency.
Pp his “Let’s Make Greater Accra Work” pinitiative, Mr Quartey had introduced policies aimed at tackling road indiscipline, sanitation, and security, with the goal of transforming Accra into a cleaner city.
Despite these efforts, the initiative has fallen short of its objectives over the past two years, as the city’s condition has deteriorated, evident by the persistence of litter on streets and roads, as well as the continued operation of tricycles on major routes.
During a meeting with the MMDCEs, Mr Quartey expressed his disappointment with the prevailing state of affairs in the Greater Accra Region and raised questions about the effectiveness and dedication of those occupying these positions. The minister highlighted specific areas of concern, including the continued presence of freight tricycles on the road, unauthorised commercial minivans loading near the Accra Mall, and unaddressed rubbish around key areas such as Korle Klottey, AMA, Kinbu, and Tudu.
Mr Quartey emphasised the need for a self-assessment among officials, drawing attention to deteriorating conditions such as the accumulation of refuse at Agbobloshie, despite prior efforts to clear the area.
He further pointed out the persistence of challenges in areas like Ledzokuku, La Dede Kotopon, Ashaiman, Tema West, and Ayawaso Wuogon, as well as the surprising presence of a street vendor selling onions and tomatoes near the residence of former President John Mahama in La Dade Kotopon.
“Have we been hardworking with aboboyaa [freight tricycles] still on the road? Is it hardworking? Trotros [transport minivans] are still loading around Accra Mall. There is rubbish around Graphic road. AMA, Kinbu, Tudu, everywhere rubbish”.
“I want us to mark ourselves. Agbogbloshie has been turned into a refuse dump. We cleared the place but people are still dumping refuse there. I am not too excited about that. Ledzokuku, La Dedekotopon, Ashaiman, Tema West. We talked about aboboyaa on the motorway; they are still plying the motorway. Ayawaso Wuogon, Accra Mall, it is like that. In fact, in La Dadekotopon, just in front of ex-president John Mahama’s house, somebody has started selling onions and tomatoes. Unbelievable”, he stated.