Accra Mayor reintroduces red line policy to regulate trading on designated pavements

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has reintroduced its “red line policy.” This policy aims to regulate trading on designated pavements. It is part of efforts to restore order and enhance pedestrian safety. The initiative also promotes environmental sanitation.

On May 21, 2025, the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, redrew the red boundary lines. He spoke with hawkers and the media about the policy's goals. The Mayor emphasized equity, fairness, and responsible leadership as key motivations.

The exercise began the day before and will continue under several measures. These include a new rotational trading system for longer selling hours on selected days. Local youth will be recruited to support AMA’s enforcement task force.

The Mayor stated, “You can testify that there are so many young men here.” He plans to employ some of them to work with the AMA. They will ensure the red line policy is enforced around the clock.

When asked about implementing this initiative within a 24-hour economy, he confirmed plans to restructure trading activities. “I am bringing a policy,” he said. “I will block streets at night so people can sell until morning.”

He assured that there would be enough security for market women during these hours. Addressing concerns about hawkers being displaced without alternatives, he clarified that no trader would be unfairly sent home.

“I’m not here to sack anybody or do ‘abaayee’,” he stated. Certain streets will be blocked for those without market spaces to trade in turns. This system will be rotational.

The Mayor reiterated that unauthorized trading spaces would not be tolerated anymore. Locations occupied by hawkers in green areas are not approved for trading. The Assembly plans to green these spaces instead.

Hon. Allotey noted that the red line policy would expand across the city. “This is not a one-time thing,” he stressed. He aims for Accra to be clean before considering stopping this initiative.

Reflecting on feedback from traders, he mentioned that the approach has been peaceful and participatory. The ongoing decongestion exercise seeks to reclaim pedestrian walkways and enforce existing bylaws for a safer Accra.