Though the city of Accra is still beset with challenges including sanitation and environmental issues, traffic congestion, inadequate infrastructure for schools and clinic, among other issues, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly(AMA) Mayor says, the Assembly needs commendation for taking bold steps to tackle the situation.

Accra was declared a Millennium City by the Earth Institute of Columbia University in New York in 2010.

The Millennium Cities initiative by Earth Institute is a project aimed at helping selected cities in sub-Saharan Africa to design effectiveand viable strategies towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Though the issue regarding Accra being a Millennium City is still arguable, the AMA Boss believes sanitation in Accra has improved considerably over the last four years.

Speaking on e.tv Ghana’s flagship programme, AWAKE, with host Rashida Nasamu, the Accra Mayor, Dr. Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije said his administration has taken bold steps to meet the MDGs.

According to him, no heaps of rubbish can be seen on the streets and markets as compared to the previous administration where heaps of rubbish were seen in areas such as Circle, Kaneshie, and Makola.

He attributed this to the efforts of the AMA in ensuring that the major streets and markets in the city are cleaned every morning.

The Mayor also indicated that 11,000 out of 117,000 households in Accra now have toilet facilities since his administration embarked on the project to ensure all households have toilet facilities.

He added those without toilet facilities are currently being prosecuted. He concluded that the AMA has lived up to expectations under the NDC better Ghana agenda.