The NPP is already implementing Mahama’s plan to create a new administrative system to decongest Accra – MCE

Clement Wilkinson, the Municipal Chief Executive for the Ga West Municipal Assembly, states that the NPP is implementing former President John Dramani Mahama's plan to establish a new administrative city for government services, but in a more comprehensive manner.

He commended the former president for having such a plan but noted that Ghanaians cannot wait for the next 30 years for this to be done, so the NPP is already taking action.

Meeting with the European Union Ambassador and the EU Chamber of Commerce on May 28, 2024, John Mahama said his next administration would start the planning, design, and feasibility work for a possible 20-year project.

Mr. Mahama said Accra would remain the capital, but a portion of it would be transferred elsewhere.

However, in response, the MCE stated that the NPP has taken steps to make this a reality and that the Vice President would soon reveal the program.

"Former President John Dramani Mahama recently announced that he will create a new administrative capital within the next thirty years. We commend him for that. There are 50 states in America. The administrative capital is Washington. What they have are states. They also have state governance, like Ghana. That does not mean they have created a new administrative region or capital.

"Someone can travel from Maryland or Alexandria to work in Washington. The person travels by rail, which takes approximately 30 minutes. They controlled the system such that Washington isn't packed. The system is so flexible that you can commute from your home to your workplace regardless of the distance, which is what the NPP government is implementing.

"This is not about what we are planning to do. We're already doing it. What are the six new trains that we have imported going to do? Some trains will travel to Kumasi, Cape Coast, Tamale, and other destinations. Are you aware that some people can commute from Cape Coast to Accra for work? This is exactly what the NPP is doing. We have the vision, and it is there.

"I am not going to sit here and tell you that Mahama's vision is unattainable. I won't do that. But the NPP government has already begun. Our vision is functioning. When the railway begins operations, the journey from Winneba to Accra will take only 24 minutes. When you visit abroad, this is what they do. Accra isn't congested. During the day, Accra becomes congested, with a population of approximately 5.6 million. However, at night, it drops to 4.8 million. Accra's congestion is the result of bad planning. People are building indiscriminately, and that is why the NPP vision is to roll out measures to plan Accra. As we speak, there is the Greater Accra Development Planning Committee working, and in the few years to come, I am aware the Vice President will soon announce this initiative.

He added that very soon the government will redesign our traffic lighting system and turn them into flyovers to help manage traffic congestion.

"That is the plan. We have not doubted Mahama's initiative. However, we have taken a different approach. We aim to ensure that those who commute from a distance to work in Accra can stay where they reside while having access to a speedier transportation system. The most appropriate thing to do would be to stay in Winneba and travel to Accra in 25 minutes. We're doing this to change the system and make it more adaptable for people."

He also announced plans by the government to introduce speed buses into the transport sector with BRT lanes for these buses.