The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has directed Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to repair all non-functioning streetlights within their jurisdictions within two weeks.
Addressing the press in Accra on Thursday, August 28, the Minister announced that her office, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, had secured 3,000 streetlights to be distributed among the assemblies, with each MMDA receiving 100 units.
She, however, emphasised that assemblies must also procure additional streetlights to ensure full coverage.
“Let me be clear, you have two weeks only to ensure that every single one of those lights is fixed. No excuses, no delays. I will personally monitor this directive. Any chief executive who fails to comply will be exposed and reported. If you cannot manage these basic tasks, then you have no business occupying that office,” she warned.
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Madam Ocloo criticised the state of poor lighting, sanitation challenges, and illegal billboards in parts of Accra, describing them as evidence of negligence by some assemblies.
“At this stage, excuses are nothing but an embarrassment to the people we serve. Leadership is not about sitting in offices and enjoying perks, but about delivering results — and many of you are simply sleeping on the job,” she said.
The Minister stressed that functional streetlights are not just infrastructure but also crucial for public safety, urban order, and the government’s 24-hour economy agenda.
Beyond streetlights, Madam Ocloo raised concerns about abuse of office among some MMDCEs. She noted reports of personal assistants (PAs) performing official duties, approving documents, and representing executives at meetings — roles she said were inappropriate.
“Your PAs are not to approve documents or represent you at official meetings. This must stop immediately. Assemblies cannot be run by unelected individuals hiding behind your authority,” she cautioned.
She further criticised the use of assembly offices for partisan political activities, warning that such practices undermine professionalism.
“No MMDCE will be allowed to attend Regional Co-ordinating Council meetings with personal assistants. Confidentiality must be maintained. This practice ends now, and if it continues, those involved will face serious consequences,” she declared.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem