Accra Mayor engages US Embassy on urban development, investment opportunities

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has held discussions with the United States Embassy in Ghana on urban development priorities, market restructuring, transport reforms, and opportunities for private sector investment in the capital.

This was shared on Facebook by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly on April 11, 2026.

“The Mayor of Accra, Hon Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has engaged the United States Embassy in Ghana, on urban development priorities, market restructuring, transport reforms and opportunities for private sector investment in the capital“, the statement expressed.

The meeting brought together the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, and the Political Officer at the US Embassy, Michael Kmiecinski.

It focused on ongoing efforts to modernise Accra’s infrastructure and improve city management systems.

During the engagement, the Mayor outlined a series of reforms aimed at improving governance and service delivery within the Assembly.

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He stated that procurement processes had been strengthened, making it mandatory for all contracts to go through open advertisement and competitive bidding in line with legal requirements.

“He disclosed that the AMA had so far received about GH₵23 million, representing its share of the 2025 allocation that was being used to implement targeted programs, including the establishment of 24-hour markets and the expansion of employment opportunities.

“He pointed out that the Assembly had already engaged over 200 personnel under its 24-hour operational system, with workers assigned to sanitation, security and revenue collection on a shift basis to enhance service delivery," the post added.

He further explained that funds from the District Assemblies Common Fund were now being tied to specific development priorities, including sanitation, education, health, and infrastructure.

According to him, this structured approach had improved efficiency and reduced arbitrary spending within the Assembly.

Touching on some key priorities under his administration, the Mayor said the AMA is focused on relocating traders from roadsides into well-structured, affordable markets in order to decongest the city and improve traffic flow.

He explained that the Assembly is developing mini-markets and redeveloping major trading hubs, including Salaga Market, Makola Market (31st), Tuesday Market, and London Market.

These facilities, he said, will be equipped with modern amenities such as health centres, security posts, and organised trading spaces.

The Mayor added that the initiative is not only aimed at improving trading conditions but also at providing alternative spaces for informal traders currently operating on pavements and roads.

He further indicated that the Assembly is exploring public-private partnerships, including build-operate-transfer models, to finance and manage some of the market projects.

On transportation, Mayor Allotey announced plans for a city-based metro bus system as a flagship initiative to reduce congestion and improve mobility, particularly during peak hours.

He said the Assembly is also considering complementary measures such as electric buses, small electric vehicles, and bicycles, alongside possible restrictions on vehicle access to parts of the Central Business District during rush hours.

Kmiecinski, who sought clarity on how the Assembly utilises public funds, particularly in relation to decentralised financing and procurement processes, observed that greater transparency and open competition in public tenders could create opportunities for American companies to participate in development projects in Accra.

He noted that US firms are interested in markets where procurement systems are competitive, transparent, and well-advertised, stressing that such conditions would enable them to bid fairly for contracts.

Discussions also touched on governance structures within the city, including the role of traditional authorities in land administration.

The Mayor acknowledged that chiefs, particularly the Ga Mantse, continue to play an important role in land ownership and allocation in Accra.

The meeting further highlighted challenges faced by local government officials in accessing international platforms, particularly visa-related constraints.

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