Video – Traders shockingly back on pavements a day after Accra Mayor decongestion exercise

Some traders in the Accra Central Business District have returned to the pavements. This happened just one day after a decongestion exercise on May 20, 2025.

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) started this major operation on Tuesday. Task forces, along with the Ghana Police Service, dismantled makeshift stalls and unauthorized kiosks. They removed vendors from pavements and roadsides in key areas of the Central Business District.

The AMA's first phase focused on several locations. These included the AMA Head Office, Kinbu Road to Railways, and Opera Square through Adabraka. The operation will last for two weeks to enforce city bylaws and ease congestion.

After the decongestion exercise, vehicles moved freely without obstruction. However, a video from GTV Ghana shows some traders back at their usual spots already.

Linda Ocloo, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, warned that traders who ignore the directive will face fines of ₵2000. During her tour of the CBD, she mentioned activating a task force to work around the clock.

Ocloo explained that they would mark a red line on the road. Crossing this line would incur a fee of ₵1500 to ₵2000. She also stated there would be market leaders monitoring compliance alongside the task force.

Michael Kpakpo Allotey, Metropolitan Chief Executive of AMA, emphasized that this effort is ongoing. He said they are committed to keeping roads clear and will continue working daily.

Allotey added that there will be designated days for street trading under a new plan. On these days, streets will be blocked for market women to sell while drivers are diverted elsewhere.

Just one day after being cleared by officials, traders have returned to some areas in Accra Central. The struggle for decongestion continues in Accra.