By Philip Antoh
The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr. Mahama Ayariga, has outlined the John Dramani Mahama administration’s multifaceted approach to urban mobility, economic development, environmental restoration, and traditional governance.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House on Monday, October 5, the Minister detailed several key government initiatives:
Sustaining the Contraflow Traffic System
To tackle severe urban congestion, the government is committed to making the contraflow traffic system a permanent fixture in Ghana’s major cities. Mr. Ayariga noted that the initial trial, which dedicates specific lanes for “Ayalolo” Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicles during peak hours, has already drastically cut down travel time for thousands of commuters.
President Mahama is reportedly pleased with these early results. A stakeholder review meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, to map out the system’s sustainability.
“Contraflow as a way of rapid mass movement of commuters within our congested cities has come to stay until we have developed other ways of easy mobility in our big cities,” Mr. Ayariga assured, adding that the government remains open to further public transport solutions.
Rebranding and Rescoping 24-Hour Markets
Under the 24-Hour Economy initiative, the government is recalibrating its flagship market project. The initiative will be renamed ‘District Model Markets”’following consultations to align the project’s scope with current budgetary realities while ensuring all markets are completed within a two-year timeframe.
Although President Mahama has already cut the sod for market construction in seven regions with projects ongoing across the 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) the designs are being remodelled to fit readily available funds.
Mr. Ayariga also announced that contractors are returning to site to complete the Kumasi Central Market Phase II and the Takoradi Market Circle projects, reinforcing the government’s commitment to upgrading trading infrastructure and stimulating local economies.
Agbogbloshie Redevelopment
The government is preparing a massive regeneration programme for the Agbogbloshie enclave to transform the area from an environmental hazard into an industrial and residential hub.
The project will begin with a systematic waste clearance and environmental restoration phase before transitioning into the construction of facilities, including low-cost housing for workers.
Mr. Ayariga emphasized that the initiative will tackle urban planning challenges while creating jobs, particularly for the youth. MMDAs will also be supported in identifying economically viable zones to attract investment.
Ultimately, the redevelopment aims to replace Agbogbloshie’s degraded landscape with sustainable livelihood opportunities for its residents.
Empowering the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs To prevent protracted chieftaincy disputes from escalating into national security threats, the government is seeking additional funding for the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs.
President Mahama has directed Mr. Ayariga and the finance minister to explore new revenue streams, including integrating support into the Common Fund formula, to help traditional institutions resolve disputes more expeditiously.
Highlighting the vital role traditional authorities play in local governance, the Minister announced that the government has increased the monthly allowances for Paramount Chiefs and Queen Mothers from GH¢1,200 to GH¢3,000.
Furthermore, the current administration has settled six quarters’ worth of allowance arrears since assuming office, underscoring its dedication to strengthening Ghana’s traditional leadership system.