Coastal Accra Rebranding Initiative launched

The Office of the Member of Parliament (MP), Odododiodioo Constituency in collaboration with Ga Mantse Foundation and Accra Metropolitan Assembly (A.M.A) have launched the Coastal Accra Rebranding Initiative in Accra.

The launch was held at the Conference Hall of John Wesley Methodist Church, Palladium in Accra on Monday.

The project highlighted the vision and aspirations of the Member of Parliament (MP) of Odododiodioo Constituency, Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie in partnership with the Ga Mantse Foundation sought to improve the environment and enhance the livelihoods of coastal communities in Accra.

The initiative also possess unique natural assets that can be harnessed to create business addressing socio-cultural challenges while generating employment.

Delivering a speech on behalf of His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, the Paramount Chief of the Abola Traditional Area, Nii Ahene Nunoo III, emphasized the significance of the initiative as a symbol of renewal and empowerment for the people of Ga Mashie and the wider Odododiodio enclave.

“We are reinvigorating our community spirit and creating opportunities that empower our youth and enrich our economy,” the Ga Mantse declared in his remarks.

"This rebranding effort affirms our resolve to honour our timeless traditions while forging a bold path towards inclusivity and prosperity.”

The Coastal Accra Rebranding Initiative includes the rehabilitation of key infrastructure such as the community center, the revival of the long-stalled Sempe Primary School and Salaga Market projects, and the rollout of the Coastal Accra Tourism Chain.

According to the Ga Mantse, these developments are not merely physical restorations, but crucial steps in rebuilding community pride and creating jobs for the youth.

The Ga Mantse said "Let us walk together—leaders, innovators, and citizens alike—to build a legacy of progress rooted in our rich heritage.”

Delivering a speech on behalf of the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Akweley Ocloo, Regional Director of NADMO, Dennis A. Nartey noted that the initiative represents a “clarion call to renew our cultural heritage, foster economic empowerment, and ignite the latent potential of our people,” particularly in historic communities like Odododiodio and Ga Mashie.

Key projects under the initiative include the rehabilitation of the Accra Community Centre, the revival of Sempe Primary School, Salaga Market, and Usher Hospital, as well as the establishment of the Coastal Accra Tourism Chain.

These projects, she noted, are more than just infrastructural improvements—they are strategic investments in people and community pride.

She emphasized that tackling youth unemployment, stalled development, and socio-economic disparities will require unity, innovation, and shared responsibility.

“The challenges we face—whether in education, employment, or community well-being—demand collaborative and innovative solutions,” she said.

The Regional Minister urged traditional leaders, corporate partners, the youth, and citizens at large to join hands in transforming Accra into a region where heritage and modern progress coexist.

Member of Parliament for Odododiodioo, Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie reaffirmed his commitment to revitalizing Coastal Accra through a comprehensive development agenda aimed at promoting tourism, empowering the youth, and preserving the cultural heritage of the Ga Mashie community.

He described the initiative as a transformative journey towards economic revival, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation.

“For far too long, our community has faced challenges that have stifled our potentials, stalled key projects, and left critical infrastructure underdeveloped,” he said.

“The pressing need for job creation, especially among the youth, demands immediate and decisive action.”

The MP highlighted several key interventions under the initiative, including the rehabilitation of the Accra Community Centre, the transformation of Osha and James Forts into tourist reception centres, and the restoration of ecological landmarks such as the Korle Lagoon.

He stressed that these projects are not just about infrastructure, but about creating vibrant, inclusive spaces for community growth and sustainable development.

“Our goal is to build a future where every citizen can thrive,” he stated. “We started this journey by empowering our youth—supporting over 500 Basic Certificate Examination (B.E.C.E) students with resources like trunks, chalk boxes, and funds to pursue secondary education. Today, we are monitoring the progress of 150 of them, because we believe they represent the future professionals and leaders of our community.”

Hon. Ashie also expressed concern over the rising trend of youth involvement in social vices, attributing it to the lack of job opportunities.

He recounted a recent collaboration with a former Youth Minister to combat the abuse of a dangerous substance locally referred to as “red,” which has been destroying the lives of many young people.

He announced that a youth centre, to be established under the initiative, will serve as a reformation and training hub for at-risk youth.

“This youth centre will give them a second chance. Once we are able to bring them back on track, we can train them in their chosen fields and reintegrate them into society as productive citizens,” the MP said.

Calling on all stakeholders, including government agencies, traditional leaders, the international business community, and local investors, Hon. Ashie urged collective support for the initiative.

“We often say the youth are the future, but I always say the future starts now. If we don’t invest in them today, there will be no one to take responsibility tomorrow,” he emphasized. “Let us work together to unlock the vast potential of coastal Accra.”

Chief Executive Officer of Bills Micro-Credit, Richard Nii Armah Quaye pledged his support to making the initiative a success.

"I am a Ga and will do my possible best to ensure that I support this initiative in whichever way, I can"

Taking his turn, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey lauded the initiative.

He promised to ensure that a DVLA office becomes operational in the Odododiodioo Constituency.

He revealed that since taking office, he has employed about Twenty (20) Ga youths into DVLA.

Arnold Nii Odartei Lamptey, a native of Ga Mashie and a vocal representative of the youth in the Odododiodio constituency, has appealed to key government stakeholders to ensure the economic inclusion of local youth in the operations and management of the newly constructed James Town Fishing Harbour.

In a passionate statement addressed toAlfred Nii Kotey Ashie, MP for Odododiodio, Nii Odartei Lamptey emphasized the need for deliberate policies that prioritize local employment and participation in decision-making at the facility.

“The James Town Fishing Harbour is not just an economic facility; it is a cultural and historical asset to the people of Ga Mashie,” Lamptey said.

"The youth of this community have long served as the backbone of the fishing industry, and with enhanced education and technical skills, we are more than ready to contribute meaningfully to national development through this project.”

On behalf of the youth, Lamptey outlined three key demands:

1. Local Representation on the Management Board: A call for at least 30% representation of Ga Mashie indigenes on the harbor’s management board to ensure that local interests and expertise are reflected in operational decisions.

2. Employment Opportunities for Indigenes: A demand that a minimum of 30% of jobs created at the harbor—across all sectors—be reserved for local youth. This, he said, aligns with the government's agenda of job creation, youth empowerment, and poverty reduction.

3. Local Business Participation: The inclusion of Ga Mashie-owned businesses in the harbor’s procurement and supply chain activities, in line with Ghana’s local content policy.

This would not only boost the local economy but also promote sustainable development in the community.

“These are not just demands,” Lamptey noted, “but a call for fairness, recognition, and opportunity. The harbor must reflect the aspirations of the very people who have nurtured the fishing industry in this area for generations.”

He expressed hope that the government will give urgent attention to their appeal and work towards policies that foster social equity, economic empowerment, and community ownership.

The James Town Fishing Harbour project is part of the government’s broader initiative to modernize the country’s fishing infrastructure.

However, community leaders say that without local inclusion, the true impact of the project will fall short of expectations.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith