Accra's decongestion dilemma: A recurring challenge

In the 1990s, President Jerry Rawlings attempted to clear street hawkers. Traders were forcefully moved from the Yam Market to Agbogbloshie. These efforts faced criticism for poor planning and lack of infrastructure. As a result, traders quickly returned to their original locations.

In the 2000s, President Kufuor and Mayor Stanley Adjiri-Blankson renewed these efforts. Their actions also involved forced evictions without proper resettlement plans. The AMA created a Rapid Response Taskforce and passed bylaws in 2011 against buying from hawkers. This led to backlash and traders reoccupying public spaces.

The cycle continued into the 2010s under Mayor Oko Vanderpuije. Campaigns targeted areas like Makola and Rawlings Park. Goods were confiscated, fines imposed, and arrests made, but enforcement was unsustainable. Traders requested transition periods but often returned to their spots without accommodations.

Now in the 2020s, Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey leads a new decongestion campaign. The goals are reclaiming walkways, improving mobility, and enhancing safety. A key difference is prior consultations with market leaders and security agencies.

Why have past efforts failed?

Several factors contribute to this issue:

1. Lack of Alternatives: Without accessible trading locations, displaced traders return to streets.
2. Livelihood Strategy: Street vending is vital for many urban residents' income.
3. Persistent Demand: Many rely on street hawkers for affordable goods.
4. "Nine-Day Wonders": Short-term enforcement leads to gradual trader return.
5. Limited Engagement: Past efforts lacked meaningful engagement with traders.

To sustain current efforts:

- Provide Alternatives: The AMA must develop accessible trading spaces.
- Consultative Approach: Engage stakeholders meaningfully for cooperation during transitions.
- Consistent Enforcement: Shift towards sustained enforcement with accountability measures.
- Integrate Informal Economy: Urban planning should accommodate informal operators effectively.
- Address Root Causes: Tackle unemployment and poverty through job creation initiatives.

Accra's decongestion history shows temporary fixes are common. For success now, a broader urban development strategy is needed that prioritizes long-term solutions over short-term clearances.

The writer is an expert in Policy, Strategy & Communication.