The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has warned traders operating in unauthorised areas that its 48-hour ultimatum to vacate public spaces or face forced removal under the Assembly’s bye-laws must not be taken for granted.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Public Relations Officer for the Assembly, Mr Gilbert Ankrah, revealed that the AMA has intensified efforts to clear traders from pavements, streets, and footbridges to ensure that public walkways remain accessible to pedestrians.
He explained that the decongestion exercise was not intended to destroy the livelihoods of traders, but rather to restore order, improve pedestrian safety, ease traffic congestion, and enhance overall sanitation within the capital city.
“This exercise is not intended to destroy anyone’s livelihood or target small businesses. Our objective is purely to restore order, improve safety for pedestrians, ease traffic congestion, and significantly enhance sanitation across the capital.”
“The 48-hour ultimatum we have issued must not be taken for granted. Trading along our bus stops, pavements, and footbridges is entirely unlawful. Those engaged in these activities ought to move immediately, or they will face the full consequences of the Assembly’s bye-laws.”
According to Mr Ankrah, the AMA has consistently engaged in various activities to address the persistent issue of unauthorised trading at bus stops, on footpaths, and along major roads.
He stressed that the Assembly remains duty-bound to keep bus stops clear of illegal trading activities and will take all necessary steps to clear individuals occupying those spaces.
Mr Ankrah also expressed gratitude to commercial drivers for their understanding and their decision to call off their planned strike following successful engagements with the government.
He assured the drivers that the AMA would follow through on its commitment to clear the traders from the affected bus stops without delay.
“We want to thank the commercial drivers for their cooperation and for calling off their strike after constructive engagements with the government. We assure them that the AMA will deliver on its promise to clear traders from all bus stops to ensure smooth transport operations.”
He warned that trading along bus stops is unlawful and those engaged in the practice must relocate immediately or face the full rigours of the law.
He stated that the enforcement team, led by the Mayor, would begin clearing the areas with immediate effect to ensure these spaces are returned to their original intended design.
“The Assembly has a legal responsibility to keep public walkways and bus stops clear of unauthorized commercial activity. With immediate effect, our taskforce will enforce the law and return these spaces to the original purpose for which they were designed. As part of our commitment to seeing this through, the enforcement drive will be led directly by the Mayor. We are stepping up our efforts, and anyone selling at designated bus stops or on footpaths should pack up and leave without delay.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
