Accra Mayor Warns Street Traders to Move or Face Removal by May 20
Accra, Ghana - 15 May, 2025 - The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) will forcibly remove street traders operating illegally on pavements and busy roads if they don't vacate by Tuesday, May 20 according to Mayor Michael Allotey.
Speaking at a media briefing at the AMA City Hall, Mayor Michael Allotey stated that the Accra Metropolitan Assembly will no longer tolerate unauthorized street trading, citing safety hazards and urban congestion.
“There’s no time for empty promises,” the mayor declared. “From the day I took office, I made a commitment to myself: ‘I’ll make sure my car is clean.’ It’s a personal promise, but today, I am making that promise to all of us. The streets are not for selling. They are places for cars, not for trade.”
He noted that pavements have become overcrowded with traders, creating unsafe conditions.
“The pavements have become overcrowded, and now they occupy almost half of the streets. If I wait for something bad to happen, they might even turn against the mayor of this city,” he added.
The mayor emphasized that the goal is to keep the city clean and improve mobility, not to target specific traders. The AMA has consulted with stakeholders and will begin enforcement in areas like Okaishie, Circle, and Kaneshie.
“We are not removing traders simply because we have the power to do so. Our goal is to keep the city clean,” he said. “We have consulted with market women, the GPLTU, and the police. We are doing this to improve conditions for everyone.”
“As the mayor of Accra, I cannot allow this to continue. Starting on Tuesday, we will begin the exercise. Please understand, we are not targeting anyone personally.”
Mayor Allotey urged traders to vacate voluntarily before the deadline, warning that failure to comply will result in removal.
“We ask you, please, to move before we arrive. This is a promise I intend to keep. If by Tuesday you have not moved, we will have no choice but to remove you.”
Source: Lead News Online
