The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has passed out 20 newly trained Metro Guards, with Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey warning them against corruption, extortion, and other forms of misconduct that could undermine public confidence in the Assembly. The warning came as part of a passing-out ceremony held at the AMA's Head Office on Thursday, July 30, which marked the Assembly's first passing-out parade for newly recruited Metro Guards since 2016.
Mayor's Strong Warning Against Corruption
Mayor Allotey expressed satisfaction with the addition of the new officers to the Assembly's enforcement workforce but stressed that the true measure of their success would depend on how they conducted themselves in the field. He noted that the extensive training the recruits had undergone would count for little if they failed to uphold the discipline, professionalism, and ethical standards expected of officers entrusted with maintaining order within the capital. "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.
Mayor Allotey also warned that any recruit who violated the law would face the full consequences of their actions, irrespective of the fact that they had only recently completed training or were employees of the Assembly. He encouraged the officers to report any superior officer who directed them to engage in unlawful, corrupt, or unethical practices, assuring them that his office would stand firmly behind officers who acted with integrity.
Metro Guards' Oath of Allegiance
As part of the oath administered by the Metropolitan Coordinating Director, Mr. Douglas Annoful, the recruits pledged to faithfully serve the Assembly, uphold professionalism, and maintain the integrity of the institution throughout their careers. They further committed themselves to refraining from collecting unauthorized monies or fees from members of the public while performing their official duties—a practice that has often generated complaints against some enforcement personnel in the past. The oath underscored the Assembly's renewed commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct among its enforcement staff.
Excellence Among Graduating Officers
The ceremony celebrated excellence among the graduating officers, with three recruits receiving awards for exceptional performance during the training programme. Edward Kotey Ashie was honoured as Best in Drill, having demonstrated exceptional precision, discipline, and command during parade exercises. Patience Ahiekpor received the Best in Academics award for emerging as the top performer in the theoretical component of the training programme. Augustine Appiah was recognised as the Most Disciplined Recruit, an award reflecting exemplary conduct, commitment, and adherence to the standards expected throughout the training period.
Uniform Symbolism and Accountability
Mayor Allotey explained the significance of the Metro Guards' distinctive black-and-white uniform, which represents the diverse situations, personalities, and challenges officers would encounter while performing their duties across the metropolis. He reminded the recruits that although the uniform carries symbolic meaning, its true value depends on the conduct of those who wear 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.
The deployment of the 20 newly trained Metro Guards marks a significant step in strengthening the city's enforcement capacity, but the success of this initiative will depend on the conduct of these officers in the field. As Mayor Allotey warned, the true measure of their success will be determined by how they uphold the discipline, professionalism, and ethical standards expected of them. With the Assembly's renewed commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct, it remains to be seen whether these officers will live up to the expectations of the public and the Assembly.
Source: Joy Online
