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AMA, 5 Sister Assemblies Announce Joint Decongestion Exercise from February 1

Accra, Greater Accra Region – In a significant move to restore order and sanitation in the capital, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has coordinated a joint decongestion exercise with five neighboring municipal assemblies. This initiative, commencing on February 1, targets the persistent issue of street trading and encroachment on public spaces.

According to Life Pulse Daily, this operation represents a unified front among the AMA and the Korle Klottey, La-Dadekotopon, Ayawaso Central, Ayawaso East, and Ablekuma Central Municipal Assemblies. The core objective is to enforce the “Red Line” boundary, ensuring that commercial activities remain strictly within designated market areas.

Introduction

Urban congestion and street trading have long been critical challenges in Accra, impacting traffic flow, sanitation, and public safety. To address these issues, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), in collaboration with five sister assemblies, has announced a comprehensive decongestion exercise scheduled to begin on February 1.

This article provides a detailed breakdown of the directive, the stakeholders involved, and the practical steps traders and commuters must take. By strictly adhering to the newly enforced “Red Line” boundaries, the assemblies aim to transform the urban landscape of Accra while ensuring that commerce continues without hindrance within legal frameworks.

Key Points

Background

To understand the significance of this exercise, it is necessary to look at the context of urban management in Accra. Over the years, the capital has struggled with the encroachment of public spaces by traders and unauthorized parking by commercial vehicles. This has led to severe congestion, particularly in central business districts and market areas like Makola, Kantamanto, and Kaneshie.

The “Red Line” concept is not entirely new but represents a renewed, strictly enforced boundary designed to separate commercial foot traffic from vehicular traffic and public infrastructure. Previous attempts at decongestion often faced challenges due to a lack of sustained enforcement or fragmented approaches by individual assemblies.

By forming a coalition of six assemblies, the AMA aims to create a synchronized operation. This joint effort prevents traders from simply moving from one congested area to a neighboring municipality, a common tactic observed in past exercises.

Analysis

The announcement of the decongestion exercise highlights several critical themes in urban governance and economic management.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

A key component of this exercise, as highlighted by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, is the emphasis on communication. The joint press conference on January 22 was not merely an announcement but a stakeholder engagement. The presence of market leaders, transport operators, and traditional authorities (Queen Mothers) indicates a bottom-up approach to policy implementation.

The Minister’s appeal to the media to avoid sensationalism—specifically headlines suggesting the government is “driving away buyers”—is crucial. The narrative is being shifted from “eviction” to “reorganization.” The government’s stance is that trading is permitted, but it must remain behind the Red Line.

Clarification of the Grace Period

There was significant clarification regarding the “one-month grace period.” The Minister explicitly stated that this period was not for traders to sell off stock and leave, but to relocate behind the Red Line and prepare for the new operational structure. This distinction is vital for compliance and prevents the misconception that street trading has a temporary reprieve before a total ban.

Infrastructure and Sanitation

Naa Afrowaa Needjan, President of the Greater Accra Market Association, emphasized the link between congestion and sanitation. Markets in Accra sell both edible and non-edible goods. When trading spills onto the streets, it leads to littering, blocked drains, and health hazards. By confining trade to market spaces, sanitation management becomes more efficient.

Furthermore, the issue of markets being used as wholesale hubs and storage areas was raised. This practice often spills onto the streets outside of peak hours. The new directive aims to regulate these activities to ensure that market infrastructure is used primarily for retail.

Transport and Parking

Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey’s warning to drivers and transport operators is another critical aspect. Decongestion creates open spaces, but these spaces are often quickly repurposed by commercial drivers as unauthorized lorry parks or “stations.” The Mayor’s warning of strict sanctions for indiscriminate parking is a preemptive measure to maintain the cleared spaces.

Practical Advice

For traders, commuters, and residents in the affected municipalities, the following practical steps are recommended to ensure compliance and minimize disruption.

For Traders and Market Associations

• Identify the Red Line: Traders must immediately locate the Red Line boundaries in their respective jurisdictions. This may involve physical markings or signage installed by the assemblies.
• Relocate Inventory: Ensure that all goods, particularly perishables and fragile items, are moved behind the Red Line before the February 1 deadline to avoid loss or damage during enforcement.
• Engage Association Leaders: Market leaders and Queen Mothers have been tasked with sensitizing their members. Traders should utilize these channels for accurate information and dispute resolution.
• Review Storage Practices: If your business uses market space for wholesale or storage, ensure this activity does not encroach onto public walkways or streets, as this will be a primary target for enforcement.

For Commuters and Motorists

• Expect Temporary Delays: While the goal is long-term decongestion, the initial phase of enforcement may cause temporary delays as spaces are cleared. Plan travel times accordingly.
• Use Designated Parking: Motorists should avoid parking in cleared areas or converting them into drop-off points, as these areas will be strictly monitored.
• Support Local Markets: The government emphasizes that markets remain open. Commuters are encouraged to patronize goods within the designated market areas rather than from street hawkers.

For Enforcement Agencies

• Consistent Application: Enforcement must be consistent across all six assemblies to prevent traders from shifting to less regulated areas.
• Focus on Cooperation: As noted by the Regional Minister, the emphasis should be on cooperation rather than force, unless absolutely necessary.

FAQ

Conclusion

The joint decongestion exercise announced by the AMA and five sister assemblies marks a pivotal moment in Accra’s urban management history. By shifting from isolated enforcement to a coordinated regional strategy, the assemblies aim to balance economic activity with the need for order, safety, and sanitation.

Success hinges on the cooperation of traders, the effective engagement of market associations, and the consistent application of the “Red Line” policy. For the residents of Accra, this exercise promises a cleaner, more organized cityscape, provided all stakeholders adhere to the February 1 commencement timeline.