The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) District Court, commissioned recently to support enforcement of city by-laws, has issued its first ruling — convicting a food vendor for violating public health standards.
Juliet Mettle was sentenced on Tuesday, June 24, after pleading guilty to two charges: operating a food business without subjecting her staff to mandatory medical screening, and preparing meals in an unhygienic, open-air environment.
The court fined her 60 penalty units, equivalent to GH₵360.
In default of payment, she faces a custodial sentence of three months with hard labour. The sentences are to run concurrently.
The case marks the court’s maiden sitting and sends a strong signal about the Assembly’s renewed focus on law enforcement under the ongoing “Reset Accra” campaign.
Speaking to journalists after the hearing, Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey emphasised the symbolic and practical importance of the court’s first ruling. “Bringing this court to life has been a top priority since I assumed office,” he said. “It gives us the legal backbone to deal swiftly with sanitation offences and urban disorder. This case is a warning — those who disregard our regulations will face legal consequences.”
He added that the court will play a vital role in sustaining recent clean-up and decongestion operations, particularly in prosecuting traders who continue to sell in unauthorized spaces beyond designated red lines.
At the commissioning of the court, Supreme Court Justice His Lordship Imoro Tanko, speaking on behalf of the Acting Chief Justice, highlighted the purpose of the new judicial facility. “Petty offences, especially those related to sanitation and traffic, tend to clog our courts and delay justice for more serious matters. This dedicated court ensures speedy resolutions and reduces the burden on higher courts,” he noted.
Justice Tanko also praised the AMA for its foresight in establishing the court and called on all users of the facility to uphold its integrity and respect due process.
Located within the AMA’s City Hall complex, the court is equipped with modern infrastructure, including a registrar’s office, magistrate’s chambers, docket and ADR rooms, typing pool, and public washrooms. It is designed to meet contemporary standards of justice delivery.
The AMA District Court is expected to adjudicate cases involving sanitation violations, traffic infractions, public nuisance, and unauthorized developments — key elements in the Assembly’s broader mission to restore order, hygiene, and lawfulness in Ghana’s capital.
 District Court, commissioned recently to support enforcement of city by-laws, has issued its first ruling — convicting a food vendor for violating public health standards.){kind=link}