By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has reclaimed a 2,473.15 square-metre abandoned open space at the Alajo–Avenor intersection in Accra as part of renewed efforts to improve sanitation, enhance public health, and promote urban beautification.
The exercise was led by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, together with sanitation and environmental health officers from the Okaikoi South Sub-Metropolitan District. The team moved in during the early hours to clear overgrown vegetation and remove large volumes of accumulated solid waste from the triangular parcel of land located at the busy junction.
Speaking during the operation, the Mayor explained that the open space had been neglected for a long period, a situation that contributed to its use as an informal dumping site. He said reclaiming the land was necessary to restore cleanliness in the area and reduce public health risks associated with unmanaged waste.
Mr. Allotey noted that the exercise forms part of a broader AMA agenda aimed at restoring order, cleanliness, and environmental integrity across the city, particularly in neglected public spaces that easily attract indiscriminate dumping. He indicated that the Assembly will continue to collaborate with its sister Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to ensure sustained maintenance of similar locations across Accra. He also appealed to residents and businesses to support the effort by refraining from dumping waste indiscriminately.
As part of long-term measures, the Mayor called on corporate organisations, institutions, and organised groups to partner with the Assembly by adopting and maintaining open spaces within the metropolis. He said the AMA is proposing a collaborative arrangement that would allow such groups to take ownership of designated spaces, develop them into attractive green areas, and ensure regular upkeep.
According to him, the initiative is intended to promote shared responsibility in the management of public spaces while improving community wellbeing through the creation of greener, cleaner, and well-maintained environments. Meanwhile, the AMA believes the adoption of open spaces will contribute to building a more resilient city and support its vision of a cleaner and healthier Accra.
