The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has graduated 20 newly trained Metro Guards, with the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, warning them to stay away from corruption, extortion, absenteeism, abuse of power, and any behaviour that could damage the Assembly’s reputation.
According to a post shared on Facebook, the recruits are the 14th batch of AMA Metro Guards. They officially completed their training during a passing-out ceremony held at the Assembly’s Head Office on Thursday, July 30.
The ceremony was held under the theme, “Service, Discipline and Commitment to the People within the Accra Metropolis.”
It was also the Assembly’s first passing-out parade for newly recruited Metro Guards since 2016, marking a renewed effort to strengthen law enforcement in the city.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey said he was pleased to welcome the new officers into the Assembly. However, he reminded them that their success would depend on how they behaved while carrying out their duties.
He said the training they had received would mean little if they failed to show discipline, professionalism, and honesty while serving the people of Accra.
According to the Mayor, the training and passing-out ceremony would have no value if the recruits later engaged in acts that destroyed public trust in the Assembly.
He encouraged the officers to always treat people with respect and carry themselves with dignity, adding that their behaviour would influence how residents view both the Metro Guards and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.
“The way you conduct yourselves will determine how residents perceive both you and the Assembly,” he stressed, reminding the recruits that professionalism, fairness and integrity must remain the foundation of their service.
The Mayor made it clear that no officer would be protected if they broke the law or acted unethically.
He warned that any recruit found guilty of wrongdoing would face the full consequences, regardless of how recently they joined the Assembly.
His warning comes at a time when many members of the public are demanding greater accountability from city enforcement officers, who often interact directly with residents during enforcement operations.
Mayor Allotey also urged the recruits not to give in to pressure from senior officers.
He encouraged them to report any superior who asked them to take part in illegal, corrupt, or unethical activities, assuring them that his office would support officers who chose to do the right thing.
He also promised that officers who worked hard, remained honest, and demonstrated professionalism would be rewarded with recognition and opportunities for promotion.
According to him, promotions under his administration would be based on merit, not favouritism.
He explained that hard work, integrity, and efforts that improve the image of the Assembly and the quality of service would be the key factors for career advancement.
The Mayor also expressed concern about the poor attitude of some existing Metro Guards.
He advised the new recruits not to copy bad habits such as skipping work or neglecting their duties.
He specifically criticised reports that some officers leave their assigned posts and go home to sleep instead of working.
He urged the new officers to stand out by showing discipline, commitment, and dedication at all times.
Mayor Allotey also explained the meaning behind the Metro Guards’ black-and-white uniform.
According to him, the colours represent the different situations, people, and challenges the officers will face while serving across the city.
He reminded them that the value of the uniform depends on the conduct of those wearing it.
The Mayor therefore urged the officers to ensure that the uniform was never “stained” by corruption, extortion, indiscipline or any other form of misconduct capable of tarnishing the Assembly’s reputation.
During the ceremony, the Metropolitan Coordinating Director of the AMA, Douglas Annoful, administered the oath of allegiance to the graduating officers.
As part of the oath, the recruits promised to serve the Assembly faithfully, remain professional, and protect the integrity of the institution throughout their careers.
They also pledged not to collect unauthorized money or fees from members of the public while performing their duties a practice that has generated complaints against some enforcement officers in the past.
The oath also reflected the Assembly’s renewed commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct among its officers.
The ceremony also recognised three outstanding recruits for their excellent performance during training.
Edward Kotey Ashie received the Best in Drill award for his outstanding performance during parade exercises.
Patience Ahiekpor was honoured with the Best in Academics award after emerging as the top student in the classroom training.
Augustine Appiah received the Most Disciplined Recruit award in recognition of his exemplary behaviour, commitment, and discipline throughout the training.
The 20 recruits who completed the programme and received certificates are Patrick Quaye, Emmanuel Apenteng, Eric Asiedu, Zillah Amarteifio, Evans Yamoah, Isaac Amoah, Bright Ahiable, Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey, Irene Owoo, Daniel Tagoe, Martin Adotey, Stephen Quartey, Mavis Sackey, Robert Kornor, Isaac Appiah Koduah, Augustine Appiah, Patience Ahiekpor, Emmanuel Odonkor, Ismaila Quaye, and Edward Kotey Ashie.
The passing-out ceremony marks an important milestone for the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, as it is the first graduation of newly recruited Metro Guards in 10 years.
The Assembly believes the new officers will strengthen its ability to enforce city by-laws, maintain public order, improve sanitation, reduce street congestion, and promote discipline across Accra.
With a strong focus on integrity, professionalism, and accountability, the AMA hopes the new Metro Guards will help restore public confidence in city enforcement while supporting its vision of building a cleaner, safer, and more orderly capital.
