AMA passes out 20 new metro guards with zero-tolerance warning on extortion

After a decade without new recruitment, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has passed out 20 new Metro Guards to strengthen its enforcement with a stern warning against extortion, sleeping on duty, or abuse of power.

The 14th batch of Metro Guards who passed out on Thursday at the AMA Head Office in Accra was the first batch recruited since 2016.

The ceremony was under the theme, "Service, Discipline and Commitment to the People within the Accra Metropolis.”

The Mayor of Accra, Mr Michael Kpakpo Allotey, told the recruits that training means nothing without conduct to match it.

“The passing-out today will be meaningless if you fail to conduct yourselves professionally or engage in acts that undermine public confidence in the Assembly,” he said.

In his address, he drew a line against misconduct that has plagued city enforcement over the years, specifically warning against extortion, absenteeism, and abuse of authority.

He urged the new guards to report any superior who asks them to engage in unlawful acts, promising protection and rewards for integrity, adding that promotions will be tied to hard work, not connections.

“Protect your black-and-white uniform,” he charged. “It represents the different people and situations you will meet. Do not stain it with corruption, extortion, or indiscipline.”

The 20 recruits pledged to refrain from collecting unauthorised monies and to uphold the integrity of the AMA.

The ceremony also recognised excellence, in which Edward Kotey Ashie was named Best in Drill, Patience Ahiekpor took Best in Academics, and Augustine Appiah was adjudged Most Disciplined Recruit.

For many Accra residents, the Metro Guards represent the face of city authority on the streets. With complaints of extortion and absenteeism common in past years, the mayor’s direct warning signals AMA’s attempt to reset the relationship between enforcement and the public.

As the city grapples with sanitation, hawking, and traffic indiscipline, the performance of this new batch will be watched closely.