'Order from above' keeps traders on the streets - Dr Oduro Osae

Local governance expert Dr. Eric Oduro Osae says political interference causes street congestion. Major city streets remain crowded with traders despite efforts to clear them.

He explains that decongestion efforts often fail due to political influence. “In an election year, a chief executive cannot keep traders off the streets,” he said on PM Express.

Dr. Oduro Osae is the Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA). He noted that even in non-election years, local authorities face challenges enforcing laws.

“A chief executive starts enforcement, but then receives an order from above,” he stated.

This order usually comes from higher authorities, like the President. If it risks upsetting the ruling government, enforcement stops.

Dr. Oduro Osae identified three reasons cities struggle to remove traders: failure to enforce bylaws, political interference, and lack of strategic planning.

“The first reason is local governments' failure to enforce their bylaws strictly,” he explained.

“The second reason is political interference in the process. The third is the absence of short- and long-term strategies.”

He emphasized that without a solid strategy and political will, problems will continue.

Dr. Oduro Osae criticized the cycle of half-hearted attempts hindered by politics and poor planning.

“These three factors affect implementing effective strategies for Ghana's cities,” he concluded, highlighting ongoing challenges.