Seized goods in ongoing decongestion will be donated to Ghana prisons – Accra Mayor

Michael Allotey, the Mayor of Accra, announced that seized goods will be donated to the Ghana Prisons Service.

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) used to auction these items. However, this practice will now stop. The AMA started a major decongestion exercise on May 20, 2025.

The AMA task forces worked with the Ghana Police Service. They dismantled makeshift stalls and unauthorized kiosks. Vendors were removed from pavements and roadsides in key areas of the Central Business District.

The first phase focuses on specific locations: the AMA Head Office, Kinbu Road to Railways, ECG Junction to King Tackie Tawiah Statue, and Opera Square through Adabraka. This operation will last for two weeks. Its goals are to enforce city bylaws, ease congestion, and ensure safe movement for pedestrians and vehicles.

After the decongestion exercise began, vehicles moved freely as traders cleared the roads. Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey emphasized that this effort is ongoing. He stated they would continue until all roads are clear.

In a press conference on May 20, he said they would return to the streets soon after. They plan to go to Circle and possibly Kaneshie next. The Mayor also mentioned plans for market women who lack space in markets.

Under a new economy plan, some days will allow street sales for these vendors. Drivers will be diverted during these times.

Linda Ocloo, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, warned that traders who ignore decongestion rules will face fines of ₵2000. During her tour of the CBD operations, she announced plans for a 24-hour task force.

They will mark a red line on roads; crossing it incurs a fee of ₵1500 or up to ₵2000. Leaders in all markets will monitor compliance alongside the task force.