Mayor has honoured Ghana – Ga chiefs

The chiefs of the Ga Traditional Council have lauded Dr Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for bringing honour to the region and the country.

The AMA boss won the 2014 President Jose Eduardo dos Santos African Best Mayor Award, among the large cities category at the Second Africa Urban Infrastructure Investment Forum held in Luanda, Angola.

In addition, he was given a cash prize of $200,000 and a certificate. Nii Kofi Akrashie I, Oshiyie Mantse, speaking on behalf of Nii Obrepong Kojo Ababio V who is the president of the Ngleshie Traditional Council, at a reception held on Saturday by the MCE at his residence in Accra to present the award to the chiefs, expressed gratitude to Dr Vanderpuije for the honour done the nation and especially the people of Accra.

He further thanked the staff of the AMA, who supported the Mayor in his achievement and urged them to continue working hard for the city.

Dr Reverend Lawrence Tetteh, Founder and President of the Worldwide Outreach said the Mayor has made Ghanaians proud, especially the Ga indigenes, and called on politicians to support him in his efforts.

He urged Dr Vanderpuije to continue with the good works, adding that, the Mayor had not only made a name for himself but for the society he serves.

Rev Dr. Tetteh prayed for long life and wisdom for the Mayor and also for God to grant him the tenacity to fulfill his good works and thanked the Zoomlion Company for their support to the AMA.

Mr Kobina Ade-Coker, Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) expressed happiness for the prestigious award won by the Mayor of Accra and called on Ghanaians to appreciate their own.

He said he was not comfortable with the murmuring by some people after the award, saying that, it was given on merit because the panel that selected the winner saw the qualities and the achievements of the Chief Executive.

“The Mayor needs to be celebrated because he has stopped the school shift system in Accra, built millennium schools and improved education, rehabilitated and constructed roads, Accra being selected as a resilient city, won the Bloomberg Award and many more,” Mr Ade-Coker said.

Tackie Kommey, former Member of Parliament (MP) for Odododiodoo in Accra, said Dr Vanderpuije has proven his worth and is committed to the cause of the NDC Better Ghana Agenda.

He said the Best Mayor of Africa Award was no mean achievement because it goes with hard work and commitment.

Mr Kommey appealed to the traditional authorities in the metropolis to support the Mayor to seek funds to execute the Korle Lagoon project.

Alhaji Iddrisu M. Bingle, member of the Greater Accra Council of Zongo Chiefs, speaking on behalf of the Chief Imam, Sheik Osman Sharabutu, wished the Accra Mayor good will and urged him to aim high and be focused despite criticisms.

Dr Vanderpuije thanked the chiefs of Accra for their support towards his efforts at making the metropolis a beautiful place.

He said: “I cannot take away the honour done me alone from the 95-member assembly who gave me 97.7 votes to become the Chief Executive. I am only a symbol of the AMA. What I have achieved is for the people of Accra.”

Dr Vanderpuije expressed gratitude to the late President John Evans Atta Mills and the current President John Dramani Mahama for appointing him as the Metropolitan Chief Executive.

Archbishop Charles Palmer Buckle, the Catholic Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra prayed for God grace and blessings to women as they celebrated “Mothers’ Day” on Sunday.