The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced that government plans to redevelop communities and waterfront areas around the Korle Lagoon are expected to move into the implementation phase soon under the Integrated Ga–Gbese Korle Smart City and Beach Development Project.
This follows a committee meeting held on February 3,to align stakeholders on delivery steps including financing coordination, technical planning and social safeguards.
The Smart City project, to be developed in specialised zones, will feature a commercial business enclave, a financial and corporate district, recreational and marina facilities, sea defence and breakwater infrastructure, a community health corridor with hospital and polyclinic services, a community theatre, a high bridge across the lagoon and affordable housing units.
The $17 billion public-private partnership project is expected to create more than 100,000 jobs for Ghanaian youth upon completion, with the first phase estimated to cost $700 million.
Speaking after the meeting, the Municipal Chief Executive, Michael Allotey said the redevelopment would not be reduced to discussions alone, stressing his commitment to visible progress and practical outcomes.
He explained that he had made it clear to project champions that his involvement would be driven by delivery, adding that the committee’s approach would remain concise and execution-focused.
On the social impact of the project, the Mayor acknowledged that some residents within the project corridors would need to be relocated, noting that resettlement planning would form a key part of the implementation process.
He indicated that land at Adjen Kotoku could be considered for relocation purposes, while urging affected persons to cooperate with lawful procedures as engagement teams and developers begin fieldwork.
The Mayor linked the project’s progress to ongoing enforcement actions in the city centre, explaining that the renewed decongestion exercise and Red Line policy were aimed at restoring pedestrian movement, reopening pavements for public use and ensuring consistent enforcement of city by-laws.
Commenting on the project’s outlook, Okoe Vanderpuije expressed satisfaction with decongestion efforts in parts of Accra, saying these measures would support broader redevelopment and modernisation plans.
He added that discussions were ongoing with financiers and technical leadership at the relevant ministries to coordinate the steps needed to deliver the project, noting that support from local authorities, traditional leaders and other stakeholders would be crucial to moving from planning to implementation.
Source:
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