Ghanaian Woman Regrets Voting for John Mahama after AMA Decongestion: "Akufo-Addo Didn't Do This"

• A Ghanaian trader has called out the current government administration over the recent decongestion exercise in Accra, led by the AMA
• In a video, she expressed regret at voting for President John Mahama, recalling how Nana Akufo-Addo let them to trade on the streets
• Netizens who saw the social media clip shared mixed reactions, as some sympathised with her while others expressed criticism

A Ghanaian woman has expressed regret at voting for President John Mahama after the recent Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) decongestion exercise.

In a video trending on social media, the disgruntled displaced trader lamented the negative impact of the AMA exercise on her business and livelihood.

She noted that she had a family to take care of and had nowhere to go to if the task force enforced the directive to evict them from the streets.

She recalled how she had been trading by the roadside for eight years during President Nana Akufo-Addo's tenure.

"Our kids are in school, and this is what we do to take care of them. We have voted for you, and after five months, you are kicking us off the streets?" she said.

AMA embarks on decongestion exercise

On May 20, 2025, the AMA initiated a large-scale decongestion campaign aimed at enhancing urban mobility and restoring order in the city.

The operation focused on illegal trade in major locations such as the Central Business District and the Circle Neoplan Station.

The AMA campaign involved dismantling unauthorised structures, removing street hawkers, and enforcing traffic and sanitation laws.

The exercise was spearheaded by Accra’s Mayor, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, with assistance from the Ghana Police Service and National Security operatives.

AMA personnel also cleared pavements and bus stops that had been taken over by commercial activities, obstructing pedestrian movement and disrupting public transportation.

Although the initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the AMA to address congestion and improve the city's infrastructure, many traders are unhappy with the exercise.

The video of the woman lamenting the decongestion efforts is below:

Netizens react to Ghanaian woman's video

Netizens who saw the video of the woman's plight expressed mixed reactions. While some sympathised with her, others criticised her in the comments section.

@Nhyira wrote:

"Pavement is for walking not for selling."

@Buzybone wrote:

"Madame, I am an NPP member, I don't support this."

@nuraadamusawaba wrote:

"You haven't seen anything."

@R͎h͎e͎s͎h͎ ͎ wrote:

"Only in Ghana when you are doing the right thing and the same people will criticize you, Oman Wei 😂😏 nnipa 10% and mponkye 90%."

@Hon denniswiafe wrote:

"Mahama said when he stops Galamsey, people will be jobless, so he’s taking measures before he fights it. How about these poor women, have you thought of measures before taking them off the site, some work with loans. Hmm no wonder none of NDC leaders live long."

Ghanaian traders back on the pavements

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Ghanaian traders sacked on Tuesday, May 20, had returned to the streets with their activities.

In a trending video, the traders were seen with their goods arranged on display, calling on prospective buyers to take a look.

Netizens expressed mixed reactions in the comments section, with some calling the traders stubborn and others feeling sorry.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh