Anyidoho applauds Mahama’s ‘City outside Accra’ proposal, calls for further details

Samuel Koku Anyidoho has commended former President John Dramani Mahama for his promise to establish a new administrative region outside the capital, Accra.

Anyidoho called the initiative a “good idea” but requested more specific details about the project.

In particular, he wants to know the rollout plan over Mahama’s potential four-year term if he wins the 2024 elections, as well as the proposed location of the new city.

“John Mahama is promising a new “Administrative City” outside Accra. Respectfully, can he give us a rollout plan for his 4-year mandate? Where exactly will the New City be located? Good idea but we need specifics. Ghana First,” his May 30, 2024, post on X read.

“Accra will remain the capital, but we will transfer a portion of it elsewhere. There is already available land on the Accra Plains and opposite the bank of the Volta Lake,” Mahama has said about the location of the new city.

He also estimated that it could take 20 years for the new city to be fully realized.

What Mahama said about the new city project

In a meeting with the European Union Ambassador and the EU Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, 28 May 2024, Mahama underscored the urgency of this project, citing the detrimental impact of overcrowding in Accra on business growth and government efficiency.

“We will commence a feasibility study with a plan to construct a new city. Accra is gridlocked, and the time has arrived for us to relocate certain parts of the government services from Accra,” Mahama stated.

“Accra will remain the capital, but we will transfer a portion of it elsewhere. There is already available land on the Accra Plains and opposite the bank of the Volta Lake,” he explained.

Mahama highlighted the extensive nature of the project, which is expected to take 20 years to complete.

This timeline reflects a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to ensure the new city meets its intended goals.

“Moreover, we are establishing a port terminal in Mpakadan to transport cargo to the northern part of the country,” Mr. Mahama added, illustrating the broader infrastructural improvements accompanying the new city initiative.