The Mayor of Tamale, Hon. Alhaji Adam Abubakari Takoro, says collaborative anti-drug operations by security agencies and local stakeholders have helped restore calm and stability in parts of the Tamale Metropolis previously affected by insecurity and substance abuse.
Speaking during the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly’s maiden stakeholder engagement and Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, the Mayor revealed that the Assembly inherited several security concerns, including drug abuse, petty theft and rising tensions in some communities.
The programme was organised under the Government’s “Accounting to the People” initiative, which forms part of President John Dramani Mahama’s Resetting Agenda aimed at strengthening transparency and citizen engagement in governance.
According to Hon. Takoro, the Assembly worked closely with the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), traditional authorities, opinion leaders, assembly members and religious leaders to address the situation.
He particularly praised the Ghana Police Service for implementing special anti-drug operations known as the “Black Maria” and “Red Maria” taskforces.
“He said the operations had contributed significantly to reducing drug-related activities within the metropolis.”
The Mayor explained that improved security remains critical to sustaining economic activities and attracting investment into Tamale, which serves as the major commercial and administrative hub of Northern Ghana.
Hon. Takoro also highlighted ongoing interventions in sanitation, roads and urban development aimed at improving living conditions within the metropolis.
According to him, the Assembly has engaged 84 street sweepers and procured two tricycles under the National Sanitation Day programme introduced by President Mahama.
He further disclosed that four community dams at Fooshegu, Kpanvo, Koutingli and Dungu had been dredged to improve water retention and environmental management.
On infrastructure, the Mayor announced that major road rehabilitation projects are ongoing on the two major ring roads linking the Industrial Area, Sagnarigu, King David, Taha and Yendi Barrier corridors.
Additional inner road projects are also ongoing at Dabokpa, Gulkpeg-Tua, Gumbihini and Jakarayili, while DRIP equipment has facilitated road opening works in Lahagu, Gbewa Residential Area, Tuutingli and Chanshegu.
The engagement was supervised by the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC).
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Northern Regional Minister, the Acting Chief Director of the NRCC, Mr. Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu, stated that the engagement demonstrates government’s commitment to openness and participatory governance.
“The essence of this engagement is to strengthen the relationship between government and citizens through openness, accountability, and inclusive governance,” he said.
He added that the initiative allows assemblies to directly account to citizens on policies, programmes and development projects being implemented within their jurisdictions.
The meeting featured an interactive session where residents, civil society organisations, assembly members and traditional authorities asked questions and offered suggestions on governance and development priorities within the metropolis.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
