The Ga Mantse, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has thrown his weight behind the ongoing decongestion exercise in the capital, urging the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, to go all out in the drive to restore sanity and cleanliness to the city.
The Ga Mantse pledged the GTC’s support on Wednesday when Mayor, accompanied by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Korle Klottey, Hon. Alfred Ato Allotey-Gaisie, paid a courtesy call on the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) at Kaneshie to update the traditional authorities as the city embarks on a bold campaign to clear traders and hawkers from unauthorised spaces.
Commending the Mayor for what he described as “wonderful signs” already demonstrated in areas such as the Central Business District (CBD), the Ga Mantse noted that the Mayor’s resolve and early actions were admirable and deserved spirited support.
“If not for the fact that we are in our festive season, we would have poured libation for you today,” the Ga King remarked. “Your decisive effort to keep Accra clean is noted and appreciated. We are hopeful that wherever there is commercial activity, the environment will be kept neat and healthy.”
The Ga Mantse assured the Mayor of the Traditional Council’s full backing, announcing plans to accompany him to various towns to show public solidarity and raise awareness on the need for cleanliness and discipline in public spaces.
“We know you have been delayed in coming here, but we are happy with your work so far, and we know you are capable,” he said. “Very soon, we will even travel with you to four countries to learn how they keep their cities clean. Our protocol team will reach out to your office to initiate that partnership.”
In response, Hon. Allotey expressed his gratitude to the Ga Traditional Council, explaining that his visit was a necessary step to seek counsel and permission before embarking on his duties.
“I came here for one reason, to brief the Council on the work I have been appointed to do. Accra is dirty, and I needed to come here to seek direction and blessings before I proceed. If I go wrong along the way, I want you to correct me,” he said.
The MCE for Korle Klottey, Hon.Alfred Ato Allotey-Gaisie, also spoke during the engagement, explaining the significance of their visit. “Just a week ago, we were appointed to lead the decongestion in Korle Klottey. Today we are here to seek blessings so we can clean Accra with the Mayor.”
Adding his voice, the Sempe Mantse, Nii Adote Otintor II, commended the President for appointing Hon. Allotey and called for mutual collaboration between the Mayor and the traditional authorities.
“Let’s work together and listen to one another so there will be development in Ga and Accra,” he advised.
The visit forms part of the Mayor’s strategy to build consensus and secure stakeholder support for what he has described as a “reset” agenda for the capital, anchored on cleanliness, safety, and economic inclusivity.