AMA Clears Squatter-Mechanics at Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has undertaken a clean-up exercise to remove unauthorised mechanic activities and abandoned vehicles around the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange.
This forms part of the Assembly’s efforts to improve orderliness, enhance the capital’s visual appeal, and ensure a smoother flow of traffic.
Led by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, the operation resulted in the towing away of abandoned vehicles and the clearing of cars that had been parked indiscriminately along the frontage of a Hyundai showroom in the area.
During the exercise, several mechanics operating illegally at the location were instructed to immediately remove all movable vehicles and were strongly cautioned against using the roadside as an informal vehicle repair workshop.
The operation forms part of the Assembly’s ongoing decongestion and urban management programme aimed at reclaiming public spaces, improving road safety, easing traffic congestion, and ensuring that commercial frontages across the city remain neat, accessible, and visually appealing.
Addressing the mechanics during the exercise, the Mayor warned against the practice of carrying out vehicle repairs on roads, pavements, and in front of business premises, noting that such activities undermine the city’s beautification agenda and inconvenience both businesses and road users.
He emphasized that the frontages of automobile dealerships and other commercial establishments must be kept clear and attractive to facilitate access for customers, investors, and visitors. According to him, the uncontrolled parking and repair of vehicles in such areas create a poor impression of the city and disrupt business activities.
While acknowledging the role of mechanics and artisans in the local economy, he stressed that their work must be conducted at designated sites rather than along roadsides or in front of legally operating businesses.
He further explained that roadside mechanical activities often result in oil spills that damage road surfaces, obstruct pedestrian movement, contribute to traffic congestion, and impede the free flow of vehicles.
The Mayor cautioned that the exercise would be extended across the metropolis, urging mechanics and vehicle owners currently occupying unauthorised spaces to voluntarily relocate before enforcement teams reach their locations.
“The city must serve everyone. We cannot allow a few individuals to occupy public spaces, damage infrastructure, create congestion, and hinder legitimate economic activity,” he stated.
Mr. Allotey assured residents that the AMA remains committed to restoring discipline and order within Accra and will continue to enforce regulations against activities that contribute to environmental degradation, disorder, and traffic obstruction.
He also appealed to vehicle owners to avoid abandoning broken-down vehicles on roadsides, warning that such vehicles would be towed and owners made to pay the necessary fines.
The Assembly, he added, will continue collaborating with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure that roads, pavements, and all public spaces are used strictly for their intended purposes.
