The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has announced a major decongestion exercise starting Tuesday, May 20, 2025, across the Central Business District (CBD) and key parts of the city including Okaishie, Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, and Kaneshie.
Addressing the press at City Hall, the Mayor said the days of negotiation were over.
“There’s no time to make empty promises,” he stated firmly, adding that traders must vacate the streets, which he emphasized are for vehicles and pedestrians not commerce.
“Our streets are not marketplaces. Pavements are for walking, roads are for driving, and not for petty trading,” Mayor Allotey declared, citing the growing danger posed by street trading to public safety and urban flow. He clarified that the move was not hostile but necessary.
“We are not targeting anyone. We are doing this because we want to keep the city clean and orderly,” he explained. According to him, consultations with market leaders confirmed that space exists in designated markets for displaced traders.
Joining the call for action, Alfred Ato Allotey-Gaisie, the MCE of Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, described the street vending situation as “a serious challenge.” He issued a stern warning to those with unauthorized structures.
“Our final warning goes to those with illegal structures. They will all be cleared,” he said.
Both officials appealed for cooperation from residents and stakeholders, announcing the creation of a 24-hour clean-up and security task force to enforce the exercise and support businesses operating late into the night.
