AMA Begins Decongestion Exercise in Problem Areas in Accra

• The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has begun another decongestion exercise in key trading areas
• Officials of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly visited areas like the Kantamanto markets, Tudu and Kinbu Senior High Tech
• The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, announced a GH₵2,000 fine for traders operating on pavements

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has begun yet another decongestion exercise aimed at removing street traders from unauthorised areas in the Central Business District.

Officials of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly visited some major markets in Accra on May 20, to remove traders from areas like road sides. The exercise was done in collaboration with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA).

The exercise, led by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Allotey, saw places like the Kantamanto markets, Tudu, and the Kinbu Senior High Tech area cleared of congestion to aid easier commuter movement.

The exercise was well received by some onlookers.

Speaking to the media after the exercise on Tuesday, Michael Allotey said the decongestion drive will continue to Adabraka through to Circle and Kaneshie.

He declared that this is not a nine-day wonder exercise, as the AMA is committed to improving sanitation on the streets of Accra.

“I don’t give promises I cannot stand. Whatever I say, I do. This exercise is not a nine-day wonder, we are on the streets to make sure the roads are cleared.

The AMA had served earlier notice to embark on the decongestion exercise in collaboration with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly.

This initiative aims to restore order and significantly improve sanitation across the city.

One evicted trader who supports the government expressed satisfaction after being among the traders displaced.

The assembly is considering plans to block specific streets within the CBD on designated days.

Allotey explained that the measure is part of efforts to regulate street trading under the government’s 24-hour economy initiative.

During the exercise, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, announced a GH¢2,000 fine for traders operating on pavements and streets within the Central Business District.

While touring Central Accra during the operation, Ocloo warned against any interference with the ongoing clean-up efforts.

“We are going to activate our task force to work 24 hours. They are going to draw a red line on the road, so with this, when you cross the line, you have a fee to pay, which is GH¢1,500, maximum GH¢2,000. We are going to make sure that we have leaders in all the markets who will be monitoring, aside from the task force, and make sure that the right things are being done.”

AMA boss gifts 71-year-old trader GH¢1,000

YEN.com.gh reported that the Accra Mayor, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, gifted GH¢1,000 to a 71-year-old trader during a tour of some market areas.

He was at Tudu supervising a city-wide decongestion exercise led by his assembly.

In a video circulating on social media, the lucky market woman was joined by her fellow traders to celebrate and thank Allotey.

Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh