The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced a 100 per cent increase in the monthly allowance of its street sweepers, raising the stipend from GH₵400 to GH₵800.
The decision, disclosed by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Nii Kpakpo Allotey, is aimed at professionalising the sanitation sector and improving the livelihoods of workers responsible for maintaining cleanliness in the capital.
Speaking in an interview with Citi News, the Mayor explained that the increment is part of a deliberate strategy to attract more young people into the sanitation workforce by making the roles financially appealing. He noted that the move is expected to help address urban unemployment while strengthening efforts to manage waste in the metropolis.
The pay increase coincides with the rollout of the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy across the metropolis. As part of this initiative, the AMA has shifted its sanitation operations to a 24-hour system, allowing waste collection and street cleaning to continue overnight to ease congestion during the day.
Mayor Allotey stressed that the success of the extended work schedule depends largely on the welfare of sanitation workers.
“When you are a leader and you want people to work well, you need to make sure the salaries they take home are fair. We thank God His Excellency John Mahama has introduced the 24-Hour Economy, which is helping AMA operate 24/7,” he said.
He described the allowance increase as a benchmark for other metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies, noting that with inflation stabilising at 3.8 per cent, a GH₵800 entry-level wage could discourage young people from resorting to unsafe or informal jobs.
The Mayor further called on other assemblies to consider similar salary adjustments to boost employment and stimulate local economies.
“I am telling them that we are increasing their salary from GH₵400 to GH₵800. That will bring in more youth. I think it is a good thing, and I hope my colleagues do the same to reduce unemployment,” he added.
