The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has launched a major decongestion exercise in the Central Business District (CBD), beginning with the re-demarcation of approved trading areas under its Red Line policy, which confines trading activities to designated spaces.
The operation started early on Sunday at about 4:00 a.m., as city officials moved to restore order along key commercial corridors. The exercise focused on enforcing boundaries that clearly separate permitted trading points from no-trading areas on pavements and roadways, amid growing concerns about congestion and pedestrian safety in the capital.
In addition to enforcement, the AMA carried out citywide clean-up activities, including the washing of streets and the removal of stones and other obstructions that traders had placed on roads and walkways to reserve space. Officials said such practices had contributed to traffic congestion and obstructed free movement within the CBD.
As part of the re-demarcation exercise, the Assembly marked sections around the Liberty House branch of GCB Bank PLC at Kantamanto as strict no-trading zones. The restricted area extends along the pavement towards the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, with fresh markings to guide compliance.
Speaking during the operation, Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey said the Assembly had held extensive engagements with traders ahead of the exercise. He noted that roadside trading had been permitted through the Christmas festivities and beyond to allow traders to benefit from increased seasonal sales.
However, Allotey said the continued sale of goods on roads and certain pavements could no longer be tolerated, describing the situation as a growing source of congestion and disorder in the business district. He explained that although space existed within designated markets, some traders had refused to use those facilities and instead moved onto streets and walkways.
With the festive season over, the mayor said the Assembly was committed to restoring order by ensuring that trading takes place only in approved locations. He stressed that the decongestion exercise would be sustained throughout the year, with consistent enforcement of the Red Line policy and no tolerance for trading beyond approved boundaries.