Watch – Street vendor resisting Accra decongestion efforts assaulted by police officers

A video has emerged showing a street vendor resisting eviction in Accra. The vendor was assaulted and removed by police officers. This incident occurred during decongestion efforts at Kwame Nkrumah Circle.

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) started its major decongestion exercise on May 20, 2025. Task forces, along with the Ghana Police Service, dismantled makeshift stalls and unauthorized kiosks. They also removed vendors from pavements and roadsides in key areas of the Central Business District.

The first phase of the operation focuses on several locations. These include the AMA Head Office, Kinbu Road to Railways, and ECG Junction to King Tackie Tawiah Statue. The operation will last for two weeks to enforce city bylaws and ease congestion.

Following the exercise, vehicles moved freely as streets were cleared. However, some traders returned to their spots just a day later. This surprised many after the mayor's decongestion efforts.

Linda Ocloo, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, warned that traders who ignore directives will face fines of ₵2000. During her tour of the CBD, she announced plans for a task force to work around the clock. They will mark a red line on roads; crossing it will incur fees between ₵1500 and ₵2000.

Ocloo emphasized that market leaders would help monitor compliance alongside the task force.