Local Governance Expert, Richard Fiadomor, has described the ongoing decongestion exercise in Accra as ineffective and politically driven.
In an interview with ABC News GH, he criticized the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for failing to engage key stakeholders and the general assembly ahead of the operation.
“This is not going to be an effective operation,” he stated, adding that “this is only a political action.”
Fiadomor further urged the public to report officials who solicit money in exchange for allowing trading on the streets, pointing to systemic inefficiencies within the AMA’s approach.
The three-day decongestion campaign, spearheaded by the Greater Accra Regional Minister and the Accra Mayor, has triggered widespread commentary.
One of the most notable responses came from Tony Asare, President of the Ghana Institute of Architects, who took aim at the root of the problem poorly designed market spaces.
Speaking on ABC in the Morning, Asare said Ghana’s markets lack the basic infrastructure required to support hygienic and secure trading environments.
“They are not adequately constructed to meet the needs of users,” he said, stressing the importance of spaces that allow free movement and maintain proper sanitation standards.
Both experts highlighted the need for more strategic planning and unity in addressing urban congestion.
While Fiadomor emphasized institutional accountability, Asare urged collaboration between government agencies, traditional authorities, and the opposition to ensure meaningful progress. “Without addressing these structural shortcomings,” he warned, “the challenges faced by traders and consumers will continue.”
