By: Deborah Amewoyi
Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Michael Kpakpo Allotey has issued a strict directive to traders and petty vendors occupying the streets and footbridges in Accra to halt their trading activities at the said places or risk evacuation.
Addressing the media, Mr. Allotey indicated that the evacuation and decongestion exercise will be embarked on by officials from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KOKMA) and the Accra Regional Police Command in order to ensure orderliness of the exercise.
The decongestion exercise is particularly targeted towards street vendors ( petty traders occupying pavements and footbridges). He stated categorically that this exercise will help clear pavements for pedestrians to move freely. He added that all kiosks and mini containers occupying the streets will be pulled down to enhance free movement of vehicles in the city.
“I want members of the public to know that the streets are not for selling; it is for cars to move freely; so no one should be trading on the street.” he stressed.
He further issued a stern warning to vendors on the footbridges particularly Kaneshie. “And for those who are illegally selling on the Kaneshie and other footbridges, I make it clear to you that from Tuesday, May 20, we are coming after you. We will not allow you to continue to turn that pedestrian bridge into a market.” he stressed.
The Mayor highlighted his aim to making Accra clean. He said the decongestion exercise in a step towards making the city a clean place. He announced intentions to allocate bins at vantage points for proper waste management.
“There will be different refuse bins for paper, bottles and other forms of waste. We will not just clear the people and leave the area like that.” He ended on his point.
