Traders have returned to the streets and pavements within the Accra Central Business District less than a month after a decongestion exercise led by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey. The exercise aimed to reclaim public spaces and improve pedestrian and vehicular movement within the city.
A member of the AMA task force revealed that some traders arrive at the market very early in the morning and begin trading along the road before official work begins. As a result, the task force is unable to reach them in time to engage with them directly.
Another task force member explained that the AMA has drawn a clear line along the streets. All traders are required to stay behind it, and no one is allowed to cross.
Despite the Mayor’s assurance that the effort would not be a “nine-day wonder,” the situation appears to have reverted. Traders are back at their usual spots, causing traffic congestion and obstructing pedestrian access.
Happy Kaseɛbɔ spoke with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) about the issue.
Traders at the Aayalolo bus station and the Tudu police station are raising concern about treatment by officials from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly. They say the AMA is handling them unfairly, but they believe the ongoing exercise could help clear the area of filth and improve sanitation.
