Accra: The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced a city-wide decongestion exercise starting Tuesday, May 20. The operation will cover the Central Business District (CBD) and key areas, including Okaishie, Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, and Kaneshie.
According to Ghana News Agency, speaking at a press conference in Accra, AMA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Michael Kpakpo Allotey stated that the time for dialogue had passed, and swift action was needed to restore order. He stressed that streets were meant for vehicular and pedestrian use, not trading, and that illegal roadside trading posed risks to public safety and urban mobility.
From the day he assumed office, Mr. Allotey made a personal promise to keep Accra clean. He emphasized, "Our streets are not marketplaces. Pavements are for walking, roads are for driving, not for petty trading." He clarified that the exercise was not an act of aggression but a necessary measure to protect the city's functionality and dignity.
He mentioned that consultations had been held with market leaders, security agencies, and transport unions, confirming that space was available for affected traders in designated markets. "The exercise will begin in Okaishie, proceed through Circle, and end at Kaneshie," he explained. He urged those affected to liaise with their leaders for relocation before Tuesday, as traders currently occupy not only pavements but large sections of roads, obstructing movement and endangering lives.
Mr. Allotey revealed plans for a 24-hour city operation model, including a clean-up and security task force to improve sanitation and protect businesses operating late into the night.
Mr. Alfred Ato Allotey-Gaisie, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA), called for a joint operation, stating that both AMA and KoKMA were committed to eliminating street trading in Accra. He described the situation as a serious challenge that had long gone unaddressed and declared, "We are going to take the bull by the horns, and this will start next Tuesday."
He also cautioned those with unauthorized structures, including containers, to remove them immediately.
