The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), in partnership with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA), will begin a decongestion exercise today, Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
The operation will cover the Central Business District (CBD) and key areas, including Okaishie, Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, and Kaneshie.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, AMA Chief Executive Officer Mr Michael Kpakpo Allotey said the time for dialogue had passed, and swift action was needed to restore order.
e stressed that streets were meant for vehicular and pedestrian use, not trading, adding that illegal roadside trading posed risks to public safety and urban mobility.
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“From the day I assumed office, I made a personal promise to keep Accra clean. Today, I am making that promise public: our streets are not marketplaces. Pavements are for walking, roads are for driving, and not for petty trading,” he said.
He stressed that the upcoming operation was not an act of aggression or power, but a necessity to ensure the functionality and dignity of the capital.
“We are not targeting anyone. We are not doing this because we want to remove people by force. We are doing this because we want to keep the city clean and orderly,” he explained.
The Mayor revealed that prior consultations had been held with market leaders, security agencies, and transport unions, and confirmed that available space exists in designated markets for affected traders.
“When we met the leaders, they told us there is space in the markets. So I urge all those affected to go back to their leaders and be relocated before Tuesday,” he said.
He revealed plans to introduce a 24-hour city operation model, including a clean-up and security task force that would help improve sanitation and ensure safety, particularly for businesses operating late into the night.