Starting Tuesday, May 20, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) will begin a large-scale decongestion exercise aimed at clearing street traders and removing illegal structures from key parts of the city.
The operation, which will start in Okaishie and move through the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange to Kaneshie, is part of efforts to reclaim pavements and roads currently occupied by hawkers and unauthorised structures.
The newly appointed AMA Chief Executive, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, announced the plan at a press briefing in Accra, saying the Assembly will no longer tolerate the misuse of public space.
“Our streets are not marketplaces. Pavements are for walking, roads are for driving. What we are seeing now creates dangers for everyone and limits how our city functions,” Mr. Allotey stated.
According to Mr. Allotey, the exercise follows consultations with transport unions, security agencies, and market leaders who confirmed that designated trading spaces are available for those affected.
The AMA, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Security Council, will lead the enforcement, supported by the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly.
Alfred Ato Allotey-Gaisie, the Korle Klottey Municipal Chief Executive, said the two assemblies are united in their resolve to address the growing congestion.
He added that the operation will also involve demolishing unauthorised containers and structures.
Looking ahead, officials announced plans to introduce a 24-hour city model, with sanitation and security patrols to support nighttime commerce.
Authorities are appealing to residents and traders to cooperate and help restore Accra’s public spaces.