Accra, Ghana//-The The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), in collaboration with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA), the Ghana Police Service, and other stakeholders, has commenced a massive decongestion exercise.
The exercise led by the Accra Mayor, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, is in response to recent flooding that resulted in three fatalities.
The exercise focuses on educating and removing unauthorised street traders and structures blocking pavements and road shoulders from the Central Business District (CBD).
The effort also aims to enforce city bylaws, tackle congestion, and enhance sanitation across key areas of the capital to prevent future flooding incidents in the city centre.
However, the exercise also enforces the AMA Hawkers Bye-Laws (2017) and Section 117(1) of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), which prohibit obstructions to pedestrian and vehicular movement.
During the decongestion exercise, Mr Allotey made a diplomatic appeal for traders to vacate the streets. “When an accident occurs, you will all blame. So, help me do my job, and let me help you,” the Accra Mayor stated
“I don’t want any trouble with you”, he added.
Urging cooperation, the Mayor has reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring order in the Central Business District.
Speaking to the media, Mr Allotey stressed that the initiative will be sustained until all unauthorised structures and street obstructions are removed to reclaim public spaces and improve pedestrian and vehicular movement in the city.
“This exercise is not a nine-day wonder; we are on the street till we make sure that the roads are clear. We are not done. For the next hour, we are going back to the street. From here we are going to Kwame Nkrumah Circle, and if there is more strength, we will go to Kaneshie. Then we continue tomorrow,” the Mayor stated.
The first phase targets key areas, including the AMA Head Office surroundings, Kinbu Road to the Railways, ECG Junction to the King Tackie Tawiah Statue, Zongo Lane, and the stretch from Opera Square to Adabraka.
Although some traders expressed their displeasure by booing the AMA task force during the exercise to remove unauthorised structures and items from the street, others welcomed the initiative, claiming it is a strategic step toward restoring discipline in the capital and enhancing public safety. They appealed to the city authorities to continue and sustain the campaign.
The AMA Boss further reassured that designated markets have sufficient space to accommodate displaced traders. The Assembly also plans to introduce a 24-hour city operation model featuring dedicated clean-up and security teams to improve sanitation and night-time commercial activity.
The second phase of the decongestion will begin on Wednesday, covering areas from Wato Junction through King Tackie Tawiah School, Cow Lane, UTC Road to Timber Market, and parts of Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
The final day, Thursday, will focus on the remaining parts of Circle and the Kaneshie enclave, including Pamprom Lane and key footbridges. Meanwhile, the traders in the Central Business District have been given a deadline to vacate the area by Monday.
