'Be innovative,' Accra Mayor charges district councilors

Dr Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, Accra Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) has called on newly appointed district councillors to come out with innovative ideas to enhance the development of the city.

He urged them to focus on the implementation of sanitation programmes, especially along the beaches to prevent open defecation in the vicinity and ensure clean environmental standards.

Dr Vanderpuije made the call during the inauguration of the Sub-Metro District Councils in Accra.

He urged the councillors to ensure that churches do not disturb community members whilst mechanics do not use the roads as their fitting shops.

Avoid posing as building inspectors to allow containers to be placed indiscriminately on pavements, which restricted public right of way and that such nuisance should be reported to the appropriate authorities for action, he said.

Dr Vanderpuije said there are legal instruments to back and support their activities, adding that; “you need to be conversant with these laws and other directives that will be issued from time to time.”

The MCE urged the councillors to support issues pertaining to sanitation and environmental management, development control, education, security, health, revenue mobilisation, among others.

Mr Thomas Mustapha Ashong, Presiding Member of the AMA, reminded the councillors that their appointment was not a right, but a privilege and advised them not to think of amassing wealth to themselves.

He also urged them not to use their positions to frustrate the work of the assemblymen, but rather compliment their efforts at the grassroots level.

Justice Efua Sackey, a High Court Judge, swore-in the 300 councillors of the Sub-Metro District Councils in Accra.