The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) will fully commence its major street decongestion exercise in February, Mayor of Accra, Mr Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has announced.
He said the Assembly is currently engaging key stakeholders, including queen mothers, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), as well as the Police and Fire Service, ahead of the full rollout of the exercise.
Mr Allotey explained that the Assembly granted temporary grace periods in December and January due to the festive season, allowing street traders time to voluntarily relocate to their designated workspaces.
According to him, many traders operating along major streets already have allocated stalls or containers in recognised markets but have chosen not to use them.
“A significant number of these traders own containers and have spaces in the markets, but they believe business is better on the streets,” he noted.
The Mayor stressed that the decongestion exercise is necessary to restore order, improve traffic flow and enhance public safety within the capital.
Touching on public concerns about vehicle shortages and recent transport fare increases, Mr Allotey described the fare hikes as inappropriate, given Accra’s large population and heavy dependence on public transport.
“Accra is a highly populated city, and the recent fare increases are not justified,” he said.
He disclosed that the Assembly is working to introduce additional buses into the transport system to ease pressure on commuters and improve mobility across the city.
The Mayor also revealed that some drivers who unlawfully increased fares have been arrested and sanctioned. Instead of imprisonment, offenders were ordered to provide free rides to passengers for three days.
He explained that jailing drivers would further reduce the number of vehicles on the roads and worsen the current transport challenges.
Mr Allotey assured residents that the Assembly remains committed to enforcing regulations while adopting practical measures that minimise disruption to livelihoods and public transport services.
