Rawlings Park - Reconstructed & Renamed?

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) plans to re-construct the Rawlings Park situated in the centre of Ghana’s capital, Accra and turn it into a multi-storey car park under a new name. The Metropolitan Chief Executive, Solomon Ofei Darko who announced this today said the exercise has no political connotation and is purely for economic reasons.

According to him the park, which has a capacity of only 100 vehicles is under-utilised and therefore not economically viable. Mr Darko said the project, which would include shopping malls, business offices and other social facilities, would enable AMA generate more revenue. The project is part of a plan to decongest the city of Accra.

A document detailing its execution has been sent to President Kufuor for approval. Under the project, the Odaw River and Korle Lagoon will be transformed into recreational centres for tourists to enhance the beauty of the city while the James Town fishing harbour will be reactivated.

Mr. Darko was speaking at a meeting with the visiting Executive Assistant Mayor of Chicago, Mr. Charles A. Bowen. The meeting was to rekindle the relationship between the city of Accra and Chicago, which dates back to 1986.