The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has passed out 20 newly trained Metro Guards, with Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, delivering a strong warning against corruption, extortion, absenteeism, abuse of authority and other forms of misconduct that could undermine public confidence in the Assembly.

According to a post shared on Facebook he recruits, who constitute the 14th batch of AMA Metro Guards, officially completed their training during a passing-out ceremony held at the Assembly's Head Office on Thursday, July 30.

The ceremony, held under the theme "Service, Discipline and Commitment to the People within the Accra Metropolis," marked the Assembly's first passing-out parade for newly recruited Metro Guards since 2016, signaling renewed efforts to strengthen the city's enforcement capacity.

Addressing the graduating recruits, Mayor Michael Kpakpo 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.

According to the Mayor, the training and passing-out ceremony would be meaningless if the recruits allowed themselves to engage in acts that eroded public trust in the Assembly.

He urged the officers to carry themselves with dignity and to treat members of the public with respect, emphasizing that their daily conduct would shape public perception not only of the Metro Guards but of the entire Accra Metropolitan Assembly.

"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.

The Mayor emphasised that no officer would receive special treatment should they engage in illegal or unethical conduct.

He 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.

The warning comes amid growing public calls for greater accountability among city enforcement personnel, who often serve as the first point of contact between the Assembly and residents during enforcement exercises.

Mayor Allotey also challenged the recruits to resist pressure from within the system.

He encouraged them 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.

The Mayor pledged that officers who demonstrated honesty, professionalism and commitment to the Assembly's values would receive recognition and opportunities for advancement.

He explained that promotions and other incentives under his administration would be based on merit rather than favouritism.

According to him, hard work, integrity and actions that enhanced the Assembly's image and improved service delivery would form the basis for career progression.

Beyond corruption, Mayor Allotey expressed concern over what he described as negative attitudes exhibited by some existing officers.

He cautioned the new recruits against adopting poor work habits, particularly absenteeism and neglect of duty.

The Mayor specifically criticized instances where some officers reportedly abandoned their assigned posts and returned home to sleep during working hours instead of carrying out their responsibilities.

He urged the graduates to distinguish themselves through discipline, commitment and dedication to duty.

Mayor Allotey explained the significance of the Metro Guards' distinctive black-and-white uniform.

According to him, the colours represent 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 Metropolitan Coordinating Director of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Mr. Douglas Annoful, administered the oath of allegiance to the graduating officers during the ceremony.

As part of the oath, 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 also underscored the Assembly's renewed commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and ethical conduct among its enforcement staff.

The ceremony also 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.

The 20 recruits who successfully completed the programme and received certificates were:

Patrick Quaye, Emmanuel Apenteng, Eric Asiedu, Zillah Amarteifio, Evans Yamoah, Isaac Amoah, Bright Ahiable, Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey, Irene Owoo, Daniel Tagoe, Martin Adotey, Stephen Quartey, Mavis Sackey, Robert Kornor, Isaac Appiah Koduah, Augustine Appiah, Patience Ahiekpor, Emmanuel Odonkor, Ismaila Quaye and Edward Kotey Ashie.

The passing-out ceremony marks a significant milestone for the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, representing the first graduation of newly recruited Metro Guards in ten years.

The recruitment and training of the 14th batch is expected to strengthen the Assembly's capacity to enforce city by-laws, maintain public order and support ongoing efforts to improve sanitation, decongest streets and promote discipline across the capital.

With a renewed emphasis on integrity, professionalism and accountability, the Assembly hopes the new officers will contribute to restoring public confidence in municipal enforcement while advancing its broader vision of building a cleaner, safer and more orderly Accra.