A delegation from the Embassy of Switzerland in Ghana has paid a courtesy call on the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, to discuss ongoing collaboration in urban transport, infrastructure development, and investment promotion.

The delegation led by Ms Janine Walz, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation, included Mr Andrew Boamah Asare; the National Programme Officer for Infrastructure.

Welcoming the delegation, Mayor Allotey reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Accra into a modern, functional city as part of Ghana’s 24-hour economy agenda, adding that the increased level of economic activity placed greater responsibility on city authorities.

Touching on international partnerships, the Mayor noted that Switzerland’s expertise, particularly in rail transport, presented an opportunity for future collaboration, adding that if there was renewed interest in establishing an exchange programme with a city such as Zurich, the AMA would be ready to coordinate the logistics and ensure the programme was executed effectively.

He disclosed that the Assembly was currently developing a comprehensive 15-year infrastructure plan, including a sump drainage system stressing that the plan would be codified into law through a bye-law to prevent disruptions under future administrations.

He noted that key stakeholders, including shop owners, were being incorporated as signatories to secure broad community ownership and continuity.

He described the initiative as a critical long-term investment in Accra’s future and stated that, as a young leader, he was personally dedicated to seeing the reforms materialise.

Mayor Allotey assured the Swiss delegation that Accra was open for business and praised the growth of Swiss investments in Ghana, currently numbering about 70 companies.

Ms Walz commended the Mayor for prioritising the city’s transport reforms, noting that Switzerland recognised the urgency and scale of the work being undertaken.

She said the Embassy was particularly impressed by Accra’s focus on sustainable transport solutions and emphasised the need to revitalise the Urban Transport Fund, which she described as an important but currently underutilised planning mechanism.

She added that she hoped enhanced government attention would help reposition the Fund to play its intended role.

Ms Walz observed that transport had clearly emerged as the Mayor’s top priority and expressed optimism that the government would provide the necessary support to advance the reforms, adding that Switzerland looked forward to strengthening its partnership with the AMA as Accra works toward a modern and efficient transport system.

 She also shared her personal impressions of Accra, explaining that one of her earliest visits after arriving five months ago was to the Mayor’s office, where she found the environment welcoming and the people “wonderfully engaging and humorous.”

Present at the meeting were  the Metro Coordinating Director, Mr Douglas N. K Annoful, Head of Transport, Mr. Alex Johnson and Head of International Relations, Mr. Bashiru Salifu.