The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has declared an immediate prohibition on hawking, trading, and any other unlawful activities under the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange.
The directive forms part of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s (AMA) renewed efforts to restore order, improve sanitation, and reclaim public spaces across the capital.
AMA Clears Hawkers and Beggars from the Interchange
The Mayor issued the directive during a working visit to the Okaikoi South Sub-Metropolitan District on Tuesday.
Mr. Allotey, at the helm of the AMA team, conducted a thorough inspection of building permits, sanitation conditions, and adherence to Assembly by-laws. During the exercise, officials from the AMA removed food vendors, beggars, and individuals who were sleeping under the Korle Klottey area of the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange.
As stated by the Mayor, the area is now off-limits for commercial activities, food vending, sleeping, or any unauthorized use. “The space must remain clean, safe, and free of obstructions,” he emphasized.
Mr. Allotey issued a stern warning that individuals caught hawking, trading, or participating in illegal activities beneath the interchange will face prosecution in line with the law.
He outlined that the exercise is a key component of a larger initiative aimed at enhancing sanitation and upholding public order in Accra.
The operation resulted in the dismantling of makeshift structures and other unauthorized installations that had encroached upon sections of the interchange. Officials indicated that these structures led to unsanitary conditions and presented safety hazards for both drivers and pedestrians.
Previously, the Mayor spearheaded a task force aimed at dismantling unauthorized wooden structures that had been constructed along Otublohum Road close to the Circle VVIP Station.
He observed that these structures play a role in traffic congestion, inadequate sanitation, and the blockage of public areas.
Mr Allotey stressed that the AMA would continue taking decisive action against unauthorized developments that negatively affect the city’s appearance and functionality.
AMA Gives 24-Hour Deadline to Desilt Gutters
In a decisive move during the inspection exercise, the Mayor has instructed owners of drinking establishments, managers of the VVIP Station, and cattle owners along Otublohum Road to clear the clogged gutters within a strict 24-hour timeframe.
He warned that those who fail to comply with the directive would face sanctions.
The Mayor reaffirmed the AMA’s commitment to strictly enforcing by-laws on sanitation, building permits, and public order.
He further encouraged residents, traders, transport operators, and business proprietors to endorse the Assembly’s initiatives aimed at maintaining cleanliness, safety, and orderliness in Accra.
The latest crackdown underscores the AMA’s determination to reclaim public spaces and create a cleaner and more organised capital city.
