AMA kickstarts major decongestion operation in Accra’s CBD

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), together with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, has started the decongestion operation aimed at restoring order and improving sanitation within the Central Business District (CBD) of Accra.

The campaign is part of renewed efforts by the AMA to reclaim public spaces, ensure orderly urban development, and promote a cleaner, safer Accra.

The operation, which commenced on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, targets key areas overrun by street traders and unauthorised structures.

It began with coordinated actions by AMA task forces, supported by the Ghana Police Service, to dismantle makeshift stalls and remove vendors occupying pavements and roadsides.

Areas affected in the first phase include the surroundings of the AMA Head Office—Kinbu Road to Railways, ECG Junction to the King Tackie Tawiah Statue, and Opera Square through to Adabraka.

Other targeted zones include the stretch from Wato Junction through King Tackie Tawiah School to Cow Lane, as well as the Accra City Hotel and Mövenpick Hotel vicinities.

Speaking to the media on Monday, May 19, AMA Public Relations Officer Gilbert Ankrah outlined the scope of the exercise, stressing that the operation forms part of a broader strategy to enforce city bylaws, ease congestion, and enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety.

Ahead of the exercise, AMA Chief Executive Michael Kpakpo Allotey engaged with street hawkers in the CBD, appealing for their cooperation.

“I am pleading with you to assist us in cleaning up the city and restoring order. We all want a better and more organised environment, and cooperation is vital in achieving that goal,” Mr. Allotey said.

He also linked the initiative to the city’s future under the impending 24-hour economy policy.

“Our upcoming 24-hour economy policy will create new opportunities for you to sell your goods overnight. But for now, I plead that we stay off the pavements as we carry out this important cleanup,” he added.