Accra Mayor vows to clear streets of encroachers in major decongestion exercise starting Tuesday

The Mayor of Accra, Hon. 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 was joined by the Metropolitan Security Council (METSEC). He stated that the time for dialogue has ended. Swift action is needed to restore order in the city.

Mayor Allotey emphasized that streets are for vehicles and pedestrians. Trading on the streets threatens public safety and mobility. “There’s no time to make empty promises,” he said.

He reiterated his commitment to keeping Accra clean since taking office. “Our streets are not marketplaces,” he declared. Pavements are for walking; roads are for driving—not trading.

The decongestion will start in Okaishie and move through Circle to Kaneshie. The situation has become critical with traders blocking pavements and roads. This endangers lives and obstructs movement.

The Mayor clarified that this operation is not aggressive or punitive. It aims to keep the city clean and orderly. “We are not targeting anyone,” he explained.

Prior consultations were held with market leaders and security agencies. There is space available in designated markets for affected traders. He urged them to relocate before Tuesday.

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

Hon. Alfred Ato Allotey-Gaisie, Municipal Chief Executive of KoKMA, supported the initiative. He described street trading as a serious challenge that needs addressing now. Traders have moved onto main roads, disrupting traffic and sanitation.

“We will take action starting next week on Tuesday,” he said firmly. The streets of Accra are not meant for selling; resistance will not be tolerated.

He warned those with unauthorized structures that they will be removed too. “This is our final warning,” he cautioned about illegal structures being cleared if necessary.

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