The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has demolished an unauthorised goat pen at Bukom following repeated warnings to its operator to comply with the Assembly’s regulations governing the keeping of livestock within residential communities.
The enforcement exercise, led by the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, on Monday, September 14, 2026, forms part of the AMA’s ongoing efforts to restore order, improve sanitation and protect public safety across the metropolis.
The Assembly said the facility was being operated in contravention of the AMA (Control of Animals) Bye-Law, 2017, which prohibits the keeping of goats, cattle and other specified animals within communities without the requisite permit from the Assembly.
According to Mayor Allotey, the AMA had engaged the owner of the facility on several occasions and warned against keeping livestock in the densely populated area.
He said despite the repeated warnings and an ongoing court process, the operator continued with the activity, compelling the Assembly to take enforcement action within the limits of its mandate.
The Mayor said concerns surrounding the goat pen became more serious after a 29-year-old resident was allegedly knocked down by one of the animals and suffered serious injuries, including a fracture to his back.
He disclosed that the AMA, together with the Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Alfred Kotey Ashie, subsequently intervened to assist the victim with his medical expenses and other support.
However, Mayor Allotey said the Assembly had recently been informed that the victim had died.
The Mayor explained that although the matter involving the owner of the facility was already before the court, the AMA remained obligated to enforce its bye-laws and take steps to safeguard residents.
He stressed that livestock could not be reared indiscriminately in densely populated residential areas without the appropriate authorisation from the Assembly.
Mayor Allotey also rejected attempts to attach political considerations to the exercise, insisting that public safety and the protection of human life should take precedence over partisan interests.
“We cannot allow politics to take precedence over human life and public safety,” he said, in effect underscoring the need for residents and operators to comply with municipal regulations.
The Mayor further warned residents and businesses against activities that contribute to congestion, environmental degradation and poor sanitation in Bukom and surrounding communities.
He specifically cited unauthorised kiosks, roadside trading, cooking along gutters and other activities carried out in unauthorised spaces.
He disclosed that similar enforcement exercises would be extended to other parts of the Odododiodio Municipality, including Gbagbasetey, as the AMA steps up measures to improve sanitation, safety and order.
“Nobody will come from somewhere else to fix Accra for us,” Mayor Allotey said, urging the youth of Ga Mashie to support efforts to transform their communities and refrain from activities that undermine public safety and development.
Mayor Allotey also appealed to unemployed young people in Bukom and surrounding communities to explore employment opportunities available at the AMA.
He said opportunities exist in areas including sanitation, revenue collection, town council operations and city enforcement, urging young people to take advantage of such openings and contribute to the development of their communities.
Ghanaian boxer Braimah Kamoko, popularly known as Bukom Banku, joined the enforcement exercise and expressed his support for the Mayor’s efforts.
He urged Mayor Allotey to remain firm in enforcing the law without fear or favour, stressing the importance of maintaining order and protecting residents.
The AMA’s latest action forms part of a broader enforcement drive aimed at addressing activities considered to be contributing to sanitation challenges, congestion and public safety concerns within Accra.
By 1960news.com
