Traders Reoccupy Pavements in Accra Despite AMA Decongestion Efforts
Just days after being cleared from unauthorized trading spots, some traders in Accra’s Central Business District have returned to the pavements, defying the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s (AMA) directives aimed at decongesting the city.
The traders, citing economic hardship and the absence of alternative sources of income, say they have no choice but to resume their street-side businesses. “We survive on daily sales,” one trader said. “Without this, we go hungry.”
Earlier in the week, the AMA undertook a major decongestion operation across the city. As part of follow-up efforts, Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey toured parts of the city, including the heavily trafficked Kwame Nkrumah Circle, on Thursday, May 22. During the inspection, he reprimanded commercial drivers for contributing to congestion by haphazard parking.
“The way these vehicles are arranged, there’s no space to move. I’m giving you until Monday to fix this or I’ll clear everyone out,” the Mayor warned.
At Kaneshie, however, there were visible improvements. The footbridge and surrounding areas had been cleared, providing pedestrians with a rare unobstructed path.
Yet, in the heart of the Central Business District, sidewalks were once again occupied. Traders had set up stalls and laid out goods on pedestrian walkways, largely ignoring the AMA’s warnings.
“This is our only source of income. I haven’t eaten well in days,” a visibly frustrated trader said. Another suggested a more balanced approach from the city authorities: “If they really want to help us, they should build barriers to keep us from spilling into the road, not just drive us away.”
Despite the resumption of informal trading, the AMA insists it will continue to enforce its regulations. However, for many traders, the harsh economic climate makes compliance a luxury they simply cannot afford.
