Accra Mayor gives pavement traders May 20 deadline to vacate streets

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Allotey, has issued an ultimatum to street traders. They must vacate pavements and busy roads by Tuesday, 20 May. If they do not comply, they will face forcible removal.

At a press conference at AMA City Hall, Mr. Allotey stated that the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) will no longer tolerate illegal street trading. This activity poses safety hazards and contributes to urban congestion.

“There’s no time for empty promises,” the mayor said firmly. He emphasized his commitment to keeping the streets clean. “The streets are not for selling; they are for cars.”

Mr. Allotey expressed concern about overcrowded pavements. These areas, meant for pedestrians, have become unsafe and unsanitary due to petty traders. “If I wait for something bad to happen, it could turn against me,” he warned.

He clarified that this initiative is not a witch-hunt but aims to improve urban mobility in Accra. “We want to keep the city clean,” he explained. The mayor mentioned consultations with market women, the GPLTU, and police before this decision.

Enforcement will start from Okaishie and extend through Circle and Kaneshie. “As mayor of Accra, I cannot allow this situation to continue,” he stated.

Mr. Allotey urged traders to move voluntarily before enforcement begins on Tuesday. “This is a promise I intend to keep,” he concluded. If traders have not moved by then, removal will be necessary.