Linda Ocloo’s appointment: Test of leadership, need for continuity

Ms Linda Ocloo’s appointment as the Greater Accra Regional Minister is a significant milestone, and it comes with both honour and immense responsibility. 

As the economic and administrative hub of Ghana, Greater Accra is a region that demands visionary leadership.

The challenges here are well-documented—sanitation, congestion, law enforcement and urban planning, are just a few of the pressing issues that require urgent attention. Addressing these will take more than political will; it will require strategic planning, collaboration and a relentless commitment to action.

However, while we celebrate this appointment, it’s impossible to ignore a glaring oversight in the vetting process.

The committee tasked with scrutinising her nomination failed to ask a single question, allowing her to pass unchallenged.

This lack of rigorous examination is concerning, to say the least. 

Public trust in leadership is built on transparency, competence and a clear vision for the future.

By not subjecting her to thorough questioning, the committee missed an opportunity to allow her to articulate her plans and demonstrate her readiness for the role.

That said, the absence of scrutiny doesn’t mean the absence of expectations.

The people of Greater Accra will be watching closely, and rightly so. Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about results. 

Ms Ocloo must prove that she is more than capable of delivering tangible progress.

This appointment should serve as a motivation to rise to the occasion, not as a reason to rest on her laurels.

A new chapter for Greater Accra

As Madam Ocloo steps into her new role, she inherits not only the challenges of leading one of Ghana’s most dynamic regions but also the legacy of one of her predecessors, Henry Quartey.

During his tenure, Mr Quartey launched several transformative initiatives aimed at addressing some of Accra’s most persistent problems.

Campaigns such as “Let’s Make Accra Work” and “Operation Clean Your Frontage” made significant strides in improving sanitation, reducing congestion and restoring discipline in the capital.

While these initiatives faced their share of challenges, they undeniably moved the needle in the right direction.

Madma Ocloo mustn’t abandon these efforts. Good governance is about continuity, not discarding effective policies simply because they were introduced by a previous administration.

Greater Accra’s challenges—poor sanitation, indiscipline and congestion—are far from resolved. Sustaining and building upon Quartey’s initiatives will be key to ensuring long-term progress.

Legacy of Henry Quartey

The “Let’s Make Accra Work” campaign was a bold attempt to restore order and improve urban management. It included measures like decongesting markets and transport hubs, enforcing sanitation laws and relocating traders from unauthorised spaces.

Similarly, “Operation Clean Your Frontage” sought to instil a sense of responsibility among residents and businesses, mandating that they keep their immediate surroundings clean.

These efforts led to noticeable improvements in cleanliness and discipline, though sustaining them has proven to be a challenge.

One of Mr Quartey’s most notable achievements was the relocation of onion sellers and scrap dealers from Agbogbloshie, reclaiming approximately 80 acres of prime land for urban development.

This move was a game-changer, freeing up space for better planning and reducing congestion in the area.

Unfortunately, since this new administration took office, some of the traders have begun encroaching on the reclaimed land, reversing the gains made under Mr Quartey’s leadership.

This development is deeply concerning and highlights the dangers of neglecting continuity in governance.

If immediate action is not taken, Accra risks falling back into the chaotic state it was in before these bold interventions.

The decision to relocate the onion sellers and scrap dealers from Agbogbloshie was not just about clearing space; it was a strategic move to decongest the city, improve sanitation and facilitate better land use.

Allowing traders to return to the site undermines these efforts and signals a lack of commitment to enforcing urban planning policies.

Madam Ocloo must act swiftly to reclaim the land once again and enforce regulations to prevent illegal reoccupation. 

Why continuity matters

One of the biggest challenges in Ghanaian governance has been the tendency of new administrations to abandon projects initiated by their predecessors.

This approach is counterproductive and often leads to wasted resources and stalled progress.

The issues facing Greater Accra aren’t partisan—they affect everyone, regardless of political affiliation.

Sanitation, congestion and law enforcement are critical to the region’s functionality, and neglecting them would be a disservice to all residents.

Madam Ocloo has a unique opportunity to demonstrate visionary leadership by sustaining and improving upon the initiatives of her predecessor.

Rather than starting from scratch, she should evaluate what’s worked, identify areas for improvement and introduce new strategies to build on the progress already made. Greater Accra deserves nothing less.