The Mayor of Accra, Michael Allotey, has issued a final warning to street traders occupying pavements and busy roads, giving them until Tuesday, May 20, 2025, to vacate or face forced eviction.
The move is part of a broader effort to decongest Accra and improve urban safety.
Speaking at a press briefing at the AMA City Hall, the mayor said the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) will no longer tolerate illegal street trading, which has led to growing safety concerns and increased congestion in the city.
“The streets are for vehicles, not for trading,” Allotey stated. “The pavements were built for pedestrians, but now they are dangerously overcrowded and unsanitary.”
He emphasized that this cleanup initiative is not a witch-hunt but a necessary step to reclaim the city’s walkways and roads. Enforcement will begin from Okaishie and extend through Circle and Kaneshie.
“We have engaged market leaders, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), and the police. This is about improving conditions for everyone in Accra,” he added.
The mayor urged traders to voluntarily leave before the deadline. “We are not targeting anyone personally. But if by Tuesday you have not moved, we will remove you. This is a promise I intend to keep.”
This Accra street decongestion initiative aligns with the city’s long-term urban renewal plans to ensure safer, cleaner, and more accessible public spaces.
