The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has issued a formal notification prohibiting all forms of hawking, trading, or commercial activities on the Kaneshie footbridges upon completion of scheduled maintenance.
According to the Assembly, the rehabilitation of the structures is expected to take between six and nine months.
The bridges were officially closed on Thursday, 2 April, to facilitate urgent repairs necessitated by their deteriorating condition.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Gilbert Nii Ankrah, the Head of Public Affairs at the AMA, explained that this project is a vital component of a broader road improvement initiative within the area.
He informed host Kwabena Agyapong that once the bridges reopen, the ban on trading will be strictly enforced to preserve the integrity of the structures.
Mr Ankrah noted that the primary goal of the rehabilitation is to reinforce the bridges and extend their lifespan.
He highlighted that the activities of traders, who had previously occupied the walkways, significantly impeded routine maintenance over the years.
This neglect led to extensive damage to critical components, including barriers and structural footings, which now show visible signs of rust and wear.
This marks the first major restructuring of the bridges since their initial construction, a move the AMA deems essential for ensuring public safety. Both footbridges at Kaneshie have been earmarked for these works to mitigate the risk of structural failure.
“We want to prevent any form of disaster. It is important we rehabilitate the two footbridges,” Mr Ankrah stated.
He further clarified that the Mayor of Accra had briefed the traders on the project well in advance. Consequently, the Assembly does not expect a return to the status quo.
“We will no longer entertain trading activities on the footbridges once the rehabilitation works are completed. The traders have been asked to move. We have compensated them. The Assembly will strictly enforce the law and will not entertain the traders again on the footbridges.”
Mr Ankrah confirmed that anyone found breaching these regulations after the work is completed will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
To support the displaced traders, he added that the Assembly is considering the establishment of 24-hour markets within the Metropolis and surrounding areas to relocate those currently operating on footbridges and pavements.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana