You have until May 20 to vacate walkways – Accra Mayor tells street traders
The Mayor of Accra, Michael Allotey, has issued a final warning to street traders operating along walkways and major streets in the city, urging them to vacate these areas or face forcible eviction.
The directive, which takes effect Tuesday, May 20, is part of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s (AMA) broader efforts to decongest the city, enhance pedestrian safety, and ensure smoother vehicular movement.
“The streets are not marketplaces. They are meant for vehicles and pedestrians, not trading. We’ve reached a point where we must act decisively to bring order to Accra,” the mayor stated during a press briefing at the AMA City Hall .
The planned clean-up exercise will begin at Okaishie and continue through Circle and Kaneshie—areas noted for high levels of street trading and human congestion.
Mayor Alote assured the public that the Assembly has engaged all relevant stakeholders ahead of the operation, including market leaders, the Ghana Police Service, and urban safety agencies.
“We’re not out to destroy livelihoods. We’ve had conversations with the market women, the Ghana Police, and other groups. This decision is about making Accra clean and safe for everyone,” he explained.
He stressed that the city can no longer tolerate the occupation of pavements and streets, which have become increasingly hazardous for both pedestrians and motorists.
“We are simply asking traders to move voluntarily. But if by Tuesday they are still there, we will move them,” the Mayor added.
The AMA says this initiative is part of a series of long-term plans to transform Accra into a more organized and livable urban space.
