Accra: Traders return to pavements despite decongestion exercise

Just days after being evicted, some traders in Accra have returned. They are operating in defiance of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly's (AMA) directives. The traders say they need to earn a living. Without alternative jobs, they rely on daily sales to survive.

Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey inspected the area on May 22. He focused on the Kwame Nkrumah Circle to check compliance after a decongestion exercise. He noted that parked vehicles were causing congestion. "I am giving you until Monday," he warned drivers. If no changes occur, he will remove everyone from the area.

The situation at the Kaneshie footbridge was different. The usually crowded walkways had been cleared for pedestrians. This allowed smooth movement, which is rare in recent years. However, conditions in the Central Business District remained unchanged.

Despite the AMA's efforts, traders returned to sidewalks and set up stalls again. One distressed trader said, "This is where we make a living." Another trader suggested building barricades to keep them off the road.

The AMA plans to continue monitoring and enforcing regulations. However, many traders feel economic pressures outweigh eviction threats.