Accra decongestion drive not a one-time event – Korle Klottey MCE
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, Alfred Asiedu Gaisie, has stated that the ongoing decongestion exercise in Accra is not a one-off operation, but part of a sustained effort to reclaim public spaces and ensure order in the capital.
Speaking to journalists during the decongestion exercise in parts of the Central Business District yesterday, Mr. Gaisie emphasized that the operation would continue until the end of the year, targeting areas where street trading and unauthorized structures have taken over pavements and roads.
“This is not just a one-off activity. We are committed to ensuring that the streets and walkways of Accra are kept free of encroachment, especially by traders who return after every operation,” he said.
The decongestion drive, which began early yesterday, is part of a larger plan by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and other city authorities to improve sanitation, traffic flow, and pedestrian safety. It involves the removal of illegal structures, the relocation of street vendors, and the enforcement of by-laws that prohibit trading on pavements and road shoulders.
Mr. Gaisie acknowledged the economic pressures faced by many traders but insisted that the safety and orderliness of the city must take priority.
“We understand the concerns of the traders, but the law must work. The streets are not market spaces. We are not against trading, but it must be done in designated areas,” he said.
He also noted that the Assembly is working with market leaders and relevant agencies to create more designated trading spaces within formal markets to accommodate displaced vendors.
The MCE reiterated that the Assembly would not relent in its efforts and warned that any trader who attempts to return to cleared areas would be removed again.
“This will be a continuous exercise. We will maintain a presence on the ground and keep enforcing the rules until we see lasting results,” he said.
Residents and business owners in the affected areas have expressed mixed reactions — while some welcome the move for restoring order, others have called for more dialogue and alternative arrangements to support affected traders. The Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly has pledged to engage stakeholders throughout the process and has called on the public to support the initiative for a cleaner, safer, and more organized Accra.
