The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has commenced a citywide exercise to clear unauthorised structures from road shoulders and government-reserved lands across the capital.
The enforcement operation, spearheaded by Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey, swept through several locations including the Awudome Cemetery stretch, Awudome Roundabout, the frontage of Royal House Chapel, North Kaneshie Last Stop and the Tuesday Market, where informal structures occupying public spaces were dismantled.
At the Tuesday Market, the Mayor supervised the evacuation of solid waste and the desilting of drains as part of efforts to improve sanitation and restore free movement around the busy commercial centre.
He directed that all private structures erected within the market be removed to allow for redevelopment works and announced that the Assembly would carry out a major clean-up there during the next National Sanitation Day.
Mr Allotey also inspected a facility believed to be an AMA warehouse and instructed its managers to report to the Assembly to clarify its purpose and management arrangement.
Along the Awudome Cemetery corridor and the frontage of the Royal House Chapel, structures belonging to individuals engaged in activities such as air-conditioning repairs, vulcanising, food vending and spare-parts trading were pulled down. The affected persons were warned not to return to the cleared zones.
At the Awudome Roundabout, the task force removed scrap dealers and took down banners, billboards and canopies that had been mounted within the road corridor.
The operation later moved to North Kaneshie Last Stop, where the Mayor ordered a fitting shop operating beneath an ECG high-tension pole to vacate the area by Friday.
He cautioned that vehicles parked there would be towed should the directive be ignored.
Speaking during the exercise, Mr Allotey said the AMA would sustain the enforcement drive to reclaim walkways, road shoulders and public lands from illegal occupation.
He explained that the unauthorised use of public space worsens sanitation problems and exposes both traders and commuters to safety risks.
According to him, the removals are part of broader preparations ahead of the February 1 decongestion exercise, stressing that anyone who returns to cleared areas will face legal action.
He added that while the Assembly will continue to engage stakeholders, enforcement will not be compromised in the quest to keep Accra orderly, accessible and safe for all.
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