Accra Mayor courts private sector to adopt green public spaces

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, on Tuesday, February 17, paid a working visit to selected companies in the metropolis, to rally businesses to partner with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to beautify and maintain strategic public spaces as part of a new greening and city-image initiative.

The companies visited were Latex Foam, Mohinani Group, Ashfoam, Duraplast, Promasidor Ghana Limited, and De-Luxy Paint, all located within the Okaikoi South Sub-Metropolitan District.

Interacting with the management of the companies, the Mayor, accompanied by the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei South Constituency, Ernest Adomako, said the initiative was to help companies strengthen their visibility and brand presence while contributing to city improvement through the adoption of public spaces, including roundabouts and areas under bridges.

According to him, companies could “project” their businesses by beautifying selected locations, mentioning the Obetsebi Roundabout and areas around overhead bridges, including the stretch from the Fan Milk enclave, adding that interested firms could adopt such spaces for branding and maintenance for an agreed period of about five to six years.
Managing Directors of the companies visited commended the Mayor for the visit, describing him as the first to pay them a personal working call since taking office.

At Duraplast, the company’s Executive Director, Mireille Hitti, said the company was ready to partner with the AMA to support efforts that would help keep the city clean and improve the urban environment.

Speaking in an interview after the visits, the Mayor described the tour as a New Year outreach to businesses and workers to encourage companies to expand.
He said the AMA and government were committed to helping address challenges confronting businesses so that investments could grow and create more opportunities for residents, particularly young people seeking jobs.

He explained that some spaces could support advertising and other productive uses, which he said would create a “win-win” outcome for the Assembly, businesses and residents through improved cleanliness, organisation, and job creation.
The Mayor reiterated that the AMA’s doors remained open to collaboration and said the Assembly was ready to listen and work with companies to deliver practical solutions to business constraints.

He reiterated that the initiative was intended to improve Accra’s image and create a more attractive environment for residents, investors and visitors, adding that a number of the companies visited had indicated readiness to participate and discussions were ongoing on the most effective model for implementation.