The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced a 100% increase in the monthly allowance of its street sweepers, raising the stipend from GH₵400 to GH₵800.

Mayor of Accra, Michael Nii Kpakpo Allotey, explained to Citi News that the move is designed to professionalise the sanitation sector and provide a more liveable wage for the workers responsible for the capital's hygiene.

He added that the increase is also a strategy to attract more young people into the sanitation workforce. 

The wage hike coincides with the metropolitan-wide rollout of the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy, under which AMA’s sanitation operations now run round-the-clock to minimise daytime traffic disruptions.

Mayor Allotey linked the success of this intensive work schedule directly to the welfare of the staff.

“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 stated.

He also encouraged other municipal leaders to follow suit, saying, “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.”

The AMA believes that offering a competitive entry-level wage will help tackle urban unemployment while simultaneously addressing the city’s mounting waste challenges.