The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has reintroduced its “red line policy” to regulate trading on designated pavements across the metropolis, as part of efforts to restore order, enhance pedestrian safety, and promote environmental sanitation.
The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, redrew red boundary lines along designated pavements on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
Speaking during an interaction with hawkers and the media, the Mayor emphasised that the policy was inspired by the need for equity, fairness, and a personal commitment to responsible leadership.
Kpakpo Allotey explained that the exercise, which began the previous day, would be sustained through several measures under the government’s 24-hour economy agenda, including the introduction of a new rotational trading system that would allow traders to sell for longer hours on selected days and the recruitment of local youth to support AMA’s enforcement task force.
“You can testify that there are so many young men here. I am going to employ some of them to work with the AMA. They’ll be here 24/7 to ensure the red line policy is enforced,” he said.
Addressing questions about the Assembly’s preparedness to implement the initiative within the context of the 24-hour economy policy, the Mayor confirmed plans to restructure trading activities.
“Oh yes. I am bringing a policy. I will block streets at night so people can sell until morning. There will be enough security for market women.’’
In response to concerns that hawkers were being displaced without alternatives, the Mayor was quick to clarify that no trader was being sent home unfairly.
“I’ve said this before, I’m not here to sack anybody or do ‘abaayee’. I will block certain streets so that those without spaces in the market can trade in turns. It will be rotational.”
The Mayor also reiterated that unauthorised spaces would no longer be tolerated, stating that locations currently occupied by hawkers, particularly green areas and ceremonial spaces, were not approved for trading, adding that the Assembly would green such spaces.
On his broader vision, Hon. Allotey noted that the red line policy would not be limited to a few locations but would be rolled out across the city, stressing that “This is not a one-time thing. I’m going to continue this after two weeks. I want Accra to be clean before I even think about stopping.”
Reflecting on the positive feedback received from traders during the exercise, the Mayor said the approach has been peaceful and participatory.
The ongoing decongestion exercise aims to reclaim pedestrian walkways, enforce existing bylaws, and realign urban trading towards a safer, more sustainable Accra.
