Oko Vanderpuije says Accra is ready to adopt good management practices
Dr Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, the Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive, has stated that he would implement good management practices to enhance the development of the city in spite of its challenges.
Under the $100 million facility to build urban resilience, pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation of which Accra has benefitted, he said, “The city now has the opportunity to build on its existing resilience efforts.”
“These include strategies to increase our readiness for earthquakes and the impact of Climate Change.”
Dr Vanderpuije made the call at a “Resilience Agenda Setting” workshop in Accra to create useful learning opportunities for stakeholders in a manner that would bring in more efficiency and impact in performing their duties.
He said the 100 Resilient Cities Programme had the objective of setting a learning platform to share ideas and knowledge among cities of the world so that they put in place best practices.
Mr Michael Berkowitz, President of the 100 Resilient Cities Programme, said Accra was selected because of its leaders’ commitment to resilience building, innovative and proactive way of handling the challenges of the city.
“We are so proud to welcome Accra into the 100 Resilient Cities and excited to get to work,” he said. “A resilient city has good emergency response and meets it citizens’ needs.”
Mr Berkowitz said Accra was chosen from more than 300 applicants on the basis of their willingness, ability, and the need to become resilient in the face of future challenges, to withstand and bounce back from stresses and shocks.
Nii Lante Vanderpuye, a Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, expressed gratitude to the 100 Resilient Cities Programme for recognising the efforts of the government.
He said: “The battle continues until this country is rid of filth”, and commended the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for its efforts to be selected to be part of the Resilient Cities.
He urged the AMA to meet other assemblies in the Greater Accra Region to develop activities and exchange visits so that they could assess their progress while sharing knowledge among themselves.
Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo, the Greater Accra Regional Minister commended the AMA for partnering the 100 Resilient Cities, and said: “Accra would now have access to resource on its own programmes to ensure best global practices.”
Source: GNA