Officials of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, AMA have announced the commencement of a major decongestion exercise in the Central Business District from next Week Tuesday, May 20.
According to the Officials, the decongestion will target areas, including Okaishie, the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, and Kaneshie.
The initiative, announced by the Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, aims among others to remove street traders and unauthorized structures from pavements and roads to restore order and improve urban mobility.
Mr. Allotey told Journalists in Accra that the operation would be led by the Metropolitan Security Council, waring that the Assembly would no longer tolerate encroachment on public space.
According to the Chief Executive of AMA, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, the exercise will begin in Okaishie, move through the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange area, and end in Kaneshie.
He said the move follows consultations with market leaders, security agencies, and transport unions, who confirmed that space is available in designated markets for affected traders. The Municipal Chief Executive of Korle Klottey, Alfred Ato Allotey-Gaisie, who joined the mayor at the briefing, said the two assemblies are united in their resolve to clear the streets.
He described the situation as a serious challenge, noting that street traders had moved from pavements onto roads, worsening traffic and sanitation. He warned that unauthorized structures, including containers, would be demolished.
He also announced plans to introduce a 24-hour city operation model, including sanitation and security task forces to support businesses operating at night. Both officials called for cooperation from residents and traders to ensure the success of the exercise.
Meanwhile traders at the Accra Central Business District are not happy with the proposed demolition exercise and have pleaded with the mayor to consider the decision. The traders insists that they are taxed for trading there and therefore do not see the justification for their forced removal.