Accra Mayor to clear streets in massive decongestion drive May 20

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, announced a decongestion exercise. This will start on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The focus is on the Central Business District (CBD) and areas like Okaishie, Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, and Kaneshie.

At a press conference at City Hall, Mayor Allotey spoke with the Metropolitan Security Council (METSEC). He stated that the time for dialogue has ended. Action is needed to restore order in the city.

He emphasized that streets are for vehicles and pedestrians, not trading. Allowing street trading threatens public safety and mobility. “There’s no time to make empty promises,” he said.

The Mayor promised to keep Accra clean from day one of his office. He reiterated that streets are not marketplaces. Pavements are for walking; roads are for driving.

The decongestion will start in Okaishie and move through Circle to Kaneshie. Traders occupy pavements and roads, obstructing movement and endangering lives. This operation aims to ensure the city's functionality and dignity.

“This is not an act of aggression,” he explained. The goal is to keep the city clean and orderly. Prior consultations were held with market leaders and security agencies.

There is space available in designated markets for affected traders. “I urge all those affected to relocate before Tuesday,” he said.

Plans include a 24-hour city operation model with a clean-up task force. This will improve sanitation and safety for late-night businesses.

Alfred Ato Allotey-Gaisie, Municipal Chief Executive of Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA), supported this initiative. He described street trading as a serious challenge that disrupts traffic and sanitation.

“We will take action starting next week Tuesday,” he stated firmly. The streets of Accra are not meant for selling goods.

He warned those with unauthorized structures that they would be removed too. “Our final warning goes to those with illegal structures,” he cautioned.

Both the Mayor and MCE urged residents and traders to cooperate fully with the task force for success in this operation.