Fix broken streetlights within 2 weeks- Greater Accra Minister to MMDCEs
Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has issued a stern directive to all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), giving them a two-week deadline to repair all non-functioning streetlights in their jurisdictions.
At a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, August 28, the Minister disclosed that her office, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, had secured 3,000 streetlights to be distributed across the region, 100 for each assembly. However, she emphasised that this was only a support measure and that the assemblies must make additional purchases to fully light up their areas.
“Let me be clear, you have two weeks only to ensure that every single one of those lights is fixed. No excuses, no delays. I will personally monitor this directive. Any chief executive who fails to comply will be exposed and reported. If you cannot manage these basic tasks, then you have no business occupying that office,” she warned.
She said the poor state of lighting in many parts of the region reflects a deeper failure in local governance, citing persistent sanitation problems and a proliferation of illegal billboards as further signs of neglect.
“At this stage, excuses are nothing but an embarrassment to the people we serve. Leadership is not about sitting in offices and enjoying the perks of your position, but it’s about delivering results, and right now, many of you are simply sleeping on your jobs,” she said.
The Minister underscored the importance of street lighting, describing it as a key element in public safety and a necessary pillar of the government’s 24-hour economy initiative.
Beyond infrastructure concerns, Madam Ocloo also rebuked some MMDCEs for misconduct, including allowing personal assistants to perform official duties and using assembly offices for political activities.
“Some of you have surrounded yourselves with personal assistants who have virtually taken over your official responsibilities. If you have decided to bring PAs, let them be clear, their role is strictly to help you organise your schedules, manage your time and provide administrative support. Your PAs are not to approve documents or represent you at official meetings. This must stop immediately,” she cautioned.
She also warned against turning public offices into party meeting grounds, accusing some officials of prioritising partisan agendas over governance.
“Assemblies cannot run by unelected, unappointed individuals hiding behind your authority. Furthermore, I have reports that many of you have also turned your official offices into party meeting grounds, filling them with unauthorised officials and visitors, while your staff… are denied access to discuss official matters. This is abuse of office and is unacceptable,” she said.
As part of immediate reforms, the Minister announced that no MMDCE would be allowed to attend Regional Coordinating Council meetings with personal assistants, citing confidentiality concerns.
“This practice ends now, and if it continues, the individuals involved will face serious consequences,” she said.
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