Accra Metropolitan Assembly – Old Office

Can you imagine a city of over 2.6 million souls, all buzzing under the Ghanaian sun? Right here, at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly – Old Office, you stand at the heart of it all. The Accra Metropolitan Assembly, often called AMA, is more than just an old building. It’s the largest political and administrative body in Accra. It’s the conductor of this bustling orchestra, ensuring the smooth running of daily life and implementing government policies. The history of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly is deeply intertwined with Accra’s own story. Accra wasn’t always the metropolis you see today. It emerged from a collection of Ga villages, growing into a bustling trading center during the colonial era. The Danes and Dutch once had a foothold here, but their presence faded with the abolition of the slave trade. In 1877, Accra took the mantle of capital from Cape Coast, a pivotal moment in Ghana’s history. The British, then in power, established a municipal council in 1898. This council, the precursor to the AMA, was tasked with shaping the future of the city. By the 1930s, Accra began to resemble the planned city we know today. Today, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly is one of 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in Ghana, and one of 29 in the Greater Accra Region. Its mission is ambitious: to enhance the lives of Accra’s citizens by providing leadership and opportunities for social and economic development. All while maintaining a clean, attractive, and safe environment. The AMA’s structure is a complex web of 16 departments, each with a head answering to the Metro Coordinating Director, who in turn reports to the Metro Chief Executive, or Mayor. The Central Administration department acts as the engine room, driving the implementation of policies and projects. It’s the bridge between the various government agencies and the Mayor. There’s also the Social Welfare and Community Development department, focused on uplifting the lives of individuals, families, and communities. The Department of Physical Planning shapes the physical landscape of Accra, from issuing building permits to constructing roads and drains. Even the parks and gardens, those pockets of green in this urban jungle, fall under the AMA’s care. The Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s work doesn’t stop at administration. It’s involved in numerous services. From environmental health, issuing permits for various activities, and even managing the waste generated by the city’s bustling events. The AMA also provides advisory services, helping real estate developers create sustainable waste management plans. It’s a constant effort to keep this vibrant city clean and healthy.