Circle VIP station remains largely cleared following decongestion exercise

The pavements around the Kwame Nkrumah Circle VIP Station in Accra were mostly clear of traders on Monday, May 26. This followed a recent decongestion exercise by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).

A report from JoyNews' Collins Frimpong noted that only a few traders returned. They are waiting for official guidance on where they can sell.

AMA officials stated that designated selling spaces have not yet been marked. They emphasized that no unauthorized trading will be allowed.

This operation is part of a larger effort against street hawking and unauthorized trading. The area has become congested with vendors, making it hard for pedestrians to move safely.

A combined task force of AMA personnel and National Security officers is now at the VIP section. Their goal is to enforce the clearance and prevent traders from returning to unauthorized spots.

Officials say this task force will maintain a visible presence throughout the day. They aim to keep the area clear of obstructions.

An AMA official spoke to the media about their commitment to pedestrian safety. “We want pavements for walking, not trading,” they said. The task force will stay until further notice.

Reactions from traders have been mixed, but many city residents support this action. They see it as necessary for restoring order and improving movement in the busy Circle area.

The AMA plans to engage with affected traders soon. They want to find legal spaces for them to operate without disrupting public infrastructure or safety.