Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Ocloo, has announced the reactivation of a 24-hour taskforce and the introduction of strict enforcement measures, including a fine of up to ₵2,000 for traders who defy red-line restrictions along decongested roads.
She outlined this disciplinary measure to curtail traders from encroaching the streets after a friendly decongestion exercise cleared the streets of the central business district.
“The way forward is that, we are going to reactivate our taskforce so that they’ll be working 24 hours a day. We are also going to draw a red line on the road. When you cross the line, there is a fee that you will pay ₵1,500, maximum ₵2,000, so that next time, you don’t cross the red line.” she said
She stated that leaders will be placed within the markets to work alongside the taskforce in ensuring compliance with the new directives. This comes as part of a broader effort to keep traders off pedestrian walkways and roadsides, areas often clogged by hawkers.
She maintained that, the exercise is aimed at facilitating easy movement within the metropolitan which aligns with the President’s charge
“Initially, when you come here, you can take three hours just to pass through. His Excellency spoke about decongesting Accraand that is what we are doing,” she added.
According to the Minister, ample space exists within the markets for traders to operate, and leadership has already been engaged to support the relocation of street vendors.
“They have spaces in the market. We met the market leadership and told them—there are a lot of spaces there. Why can’t traders move? Coming by the roadside won’t solve the problem,” she stressed.
Nonetheless, Hon. Ocloo also gave her assurance to street traders that some of their concerns will be addressed, even as the taskforce maintains enforcement efforts.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has assured the public that the decongestion campaign is not a nine-day wonder but a sustained strategy to reclaim the city’s roads and public spaces.
The first phase of the exercise was met with enthusiasm from pedestrians and motorists. However, some traders appealed to the Assembly for leniency, stating that hawking remains a vital source of livelihood for their families.
The decongestion exercise targeted key areas including the vicinity of the AMA Head Office, Kinbu Road to Railways, ECG Junction to the King Tackie Tawiah Statue, Zongo Lane, and Opera Square to Adabraka for today.
Day 2 will cover Wato Junction through King Tackie Tawiah School, Cow Lane, UTC Road to Timber Market, and parts of the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, including Las Palmas and Glamour Road.
On Day 3, the operation will shift focus to the remaining portions of the Circle and the Kaneshie enclave, including Pamprom Lane and the footbridges.