This initiative comes at a time when urban congestion, lawlessness in trading practices, and the gradual erosion of public spaces have been normalised.

The attempt to address these issues head-on must be applauded, but more importantly, must be sustained.

The red line policy is not new. It has been attempted in the past, but like many urban management interventions in our cities, it fizzled out after initial enforcement due to a combination of poor stakeholder engagement, political interference and the lack of continuity.

This time, however, the context seems different. 

The AMA is linking the exercise to the government's broader 24-hour Economy agenda, introducing innovative measures such as a rotational trading system and the enlistment of local youth to support enforcement.

However, to succeed where others have failed, all stakeholders — AMA officials, traders, shoppers, residents and political actors — must treat this as a shared civic responsibility.

First, the AMA must maintain transparency, consistency and fairness in enforcement.

Traders must be engaged continuously, not just informed, and their needs clearly considered in the redesign of trading spaces.

The rotational system is a smart idea, but it must be clearly communicated, well-structured and implemented with equity.

Market women and informal traders are not enemies of the city; they are part of its economic soul.

But rules must be followed, and dignity must go hand in hand with discipline.

Second, the involvement of local youth in the enforcement task force is promising.

It promotes community ownership and creates jobs.

However, these recruits must be trained not only in enforcement techniques but also in conflict resolution and public engagement.

Enforcement should not be synonymous with harassment. Rather, it should be seen as a means of protecting the collective interest.

For traders, this is an opportunity to reclaim their dignity and partnership in city governance.

Trading on pavements not only endangers their lives and those of pedestrians but also feeds into the long-held public perception of market actors as disorganised and lawless.

Traders' unions must collaborate with the AMA to educate their members, discourage encroachment and explore new models for street vending that are modern, regulated and integrated into city planning.

Shoppers have a role to play too. Patronising illegal vendors or those obstructing public walkways only emboldens the practice.

Citizens must make conscious decisions to support vendors who operate within the designated red line zones.

Civic responsibility is not the preserve of officials alone.

But the greatest red flags lie within the political establishment.

The most dangerous threats to the sustainability of such exercises have always been political interference and the tendency for politicians to prioritise short-term electoral considerations over long-term urban development.

In the past, interventions were halted or weakened once political actors started appealing to traders for votes. 

This cycle must end.

The Daily Graphic calls on political leaders at all levels to insulate this initiative from partisan manipulation.

City management is not a political punishment.

It is about preserving order, protecting livelihoods and enhancing the beauty and function of our capital.

The red line policy has the potential to become a model for other assemblies across the country.

If Accra succeeds, Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale and other urban centres will be emboldened to act.

However, this will only happen if all parties resist the temptation to politicise, compromise or neglect the policy in favour of convenience or populism.

We contend this should not be another flash in the pan.

It should not be another round of media fanfare followed by silent failure.

We must all — city officials, traders, citizens and political leaders — commit to making this work.

Because a clean, safe and orderly Accra is not just an aspiration; it is a necessity.