The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has launched a significant decongestion operation in the Central Business District (CBD), starting with the re-demarcation of approved trading areas under the Red Line policy.
The exercise began around 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, focusing on restoring order along major commercial corridors by clearly marking boundaries between designated trading zones and no-trading areas on pavements and roads.
Key areas affected include sections around the Liberty House branch of GCB Bank PLC at Kantamanto, extending along the pavement toward the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, now designated as no-trading zones.
AMA officials also carried out a clean-up, washing streets and removing stones and other obstructions blocking roads and walkways.
Speaking during the operation, the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, said the Assembly had engaged traders extensively beforehand. He noted that roadside trading was permitted through the Christmas season and beyond to allow traders to benefit from higher seasonal sales.
“The city can no longer permit the sale of goods on roads and certain pavements,” he explained, describing the situation as a major cause of congestion and disorder in the business district.
The Mayor warned that traders permitted to operate near pavements must strictly respect the approved boundaries, adding that the AMA would maintain consistent enforcement throughout the year to prevent the return of congestion in the CBD.
The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to improve urban order, traffic flow and pedestrian safety in Accra’s central business areas.
