Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey says the exercise will begin May 20

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has announced a city-wide decongestion exercise set to begin on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

The operation will target the Central Business District (CBD) and other busy areas, including Okaishie, the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange (Circle), and Kaneshie.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at the City Hall.

Members of the Metropolitan Security Council (METSEC), including the Accra Central Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Ebenezer Nketiah, were present at the press conference.

According to an official post on X, Allotey said the exercise is aimed at restoring order, improving urban mobility, and ensuring public safety.

“The time for dialogue and delay is over. Our streets are not marketplaces. Pavements are for walking, roads are for driving, and not for petty trading,” he indicated.

According to him, the decongestion exercise will begin at Okaishie and continue through Circle to Kaneshie.

He noted that traders have increasingly occupied not only pavements, but also portions of roads, obstructing vehicular and pedestrian movement.

Michael Allotey stressed that the exercise is not a punitive measure, but a necessary step to maintain the functionality and dignity of the city.

“We are not targeting anyone. This is not an act of aggression. It is about keeping the city clean and orderly,” he added.

He also indicated that prior consultations had been held with market leaders, transport unions, and security agencies.

Allotey disclosed that available spaces exist in designated markets for those who will be affected, while urging traders to cooperate with their leaders to facilitate relocation.

“When we met the leaders, they told us there is space in the markets. So, I urge all those affected to go back to their leaders and be relocated before Tuesday,” he said.

In addition to the decongestion exercise, Allotey announced plans to introduce a 24-hour city operation model, supported by a dedicated clean-up and security taskforce.

This, he explained, will help improve sanitation and ensure safety, particularly for businesses operating at night.

Also speaking at the event, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, Alfred Ato Allotey-Gaisie, expressed strong support for the initiative.

He described the current situation as a serious challenge that must be addressed urgently.

“We are going to take the bull by the horns, and this will start on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The streets of Accra are not meant for selling, and we will not tolerate resistance from any quarters,” he stressed.

He issued a final warning to individuals who have erected unauthorised structures such as containers and kiosks, stating that these would also be removed during the exercise.

“Our final warning goes to those with illegal structures. They will all be cleared. The exercise would be done with force if needed,” he stated.

Both officials called on the general public, particularly traders and transport operators, to cooperate fully with the taskforce to ensure the success of the decongestion operation.

MRA/AE