The Accra Metropolitan Assembly says as part of ongoing engagement efforts, authorities have held discussions with traders in key trading areas to promote road safety and order.
The engagement focused on educating traders not to sell their goods beyond the red lines marked along roadsides, which are meant to keep walkways and roads clear for motorists and pedestrians.
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Public Relations OfficerGilbert Nii Ankrah said the AMA is embarking on a decongestion exercise.
The traders were advised that selling across these red lines poses safety risks and contributes to congestion..
According to him, the traders showed understanding and cooperation, agreeing to comply with the directive.
Areas such as Kantamanto, Kinbu, the Rawlings area, and other nearby locations have all acknowledged the rules and committed to following them.
The move is expected to enhance safety, reduce traffic obstruction, and promote peace and order around major roads and market centres.
He indicates that the AMA will continue engagement and monitoring to ensure sustained rules and regulations for the benefit of both traders and road users and everyone.
Mr Gilbert Ankrah added that a lot of the traders had available space inside markets but declined to use those spaces and instead moved onto streets and walkways to sell.
He said with the festive season over, the Assembly was moving to restore order by ensuring trading took place in appropriate locations.
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly has launched a decongestion exercise in the Central Business District, re-demarcating approved trading areas and enforcing the Red Line policy.
The exercise also featured citywide clean-up activities, including the washing of streets and the removal of stones as well as other obstructions that had been placed on streets and walkways.
The operation, which commenced on Sunday at about 4:00 a.m., focused on restoring order along key commercial corridors by enforcing boundaries that separate permissible trading points from no-trading areas on pavements.
”We have engaged extensively with the traders. After allowing them to sell throughout the festive season, the agreement was clear: they would leave the streets and pavements once the celebrations were over.
Though cooperation has been good, this will not be a one-day wonder. We will sustain this exercise until the area is cleared. Because these activities are unlawful, we have already begun seizing the wares of those refusing to comply. We urge traders to work with us as we strive to beautify our city.”
By: Justina Ekua Kwofie and Rashid Obodai Provencal/Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
