'The market women will lead the order' - Accra Mayor's new approach to reclaim choked business district

Mayor Michael Allotey of Accra believes the solution to street trading lies in empowering market women. He says past Mayors failed because they did not engage directly with traders.

“I promise to work with a market woman,” he stated on PM Express. During a recent decongestion exercise, he noted that market women understood the need for change. He emphasized that this time, he will work closely with them.

Allotey believes market women know how to solve the problem. “They are in there and understand what needs to be done,” he said. They have shared their needs with him, and he plans to act on them.

As part of his strategy, Allotey will appoint leaders from among the traders. “I might choose four or five of them as leaders,” he explained.

He plans to establish a red line similar to former Mayor Alfred Okoe Vanderpuye’s initiative. Traders will stay behind this line while their leaders manage them.

Unlike previous efforts, Allotey insists this plan is not just symbolic. “This is not another 9-day wonder,” he stressed. He wants it to be a lasting change and part of his legacy as Mayor.

When host Evans Mensah mentioned Vanderpuye's failed initiative, Allotey acknowledged the lessons learned. “We need men to guide the red line effectively,” he said.

This time, Allotey is committed to making it work. “I’m bringing over 1,000 youth to help day and night,” he announced. He aims for a 24-hour economy starting from AMA.

The city will no longer sleep while lawlessness prevails, according to Allotey. “We’re going to ensure the city stays alive until morning.” This approach marks a significant shift from past practices.