After two days of clearing unauthorized structures, evicting street vendors, and restoring order to major parts of the capital, the operation shifted gears today.

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo, led teams patrolling previously cleared areas to ensure traders and transport operators did not return to obstruct the streets.

From Circle to the Central Business District, AMA officers closely monitored hotspots where encroachment had been rife.

Below are photos from the operation, captured by Myjoyonline photojournalist Sammy Moore, who joined the task force on the ground.

This operation forms part of an ongoing initiative to ease congestion in the capital by removing unauthorized structures, enforcing sanitation regulations, and regulating street vendors.

The main focus of the operation is to systematically clear illegal constructions and relocate street vendors occupying areas meant for pedestrian and vehicular movement.

Alongside enforcing traffic and sanitation laws, the initiative aims to improve safety and ease movement in high-traffic zones. AMA officials emphasize the importance of restoring order and ensuring adherence to city planning regulations vital for the integrity of Accra’s urban environment.

The campaign, which began on Tuesday, May 20, initially targeted areas around the AMA Head Office and extended along key routes including Kinbu Road to Railways, from the ECG Junction to the King Tackie Tawiah Statue, and from Opera Square to Adabraka. These areas have been identified as hotspots for street vending and severe traffic congestion, necessitating immediate intervention.

Authorities have called on traders and commuters to cooperate fully with the taskforce to avoid conflicts during the enforcement process.

The Assembly also highlighted issues such as illegal electrical connections and the occupation of public spaces as makeshift residences, with individuals setting up mattresses and personal belongings in these areas.

AMA remains committed to transforming Accra into a cleaner and safer city. Officials stressed the urgent need to demolish illegal structures encroaching on bus stops, which are intended solely for passenger transit. An AMA representative noted, “Supermarkets have taken over these areas, severely disrupting public access.”

The Assembly has set strict guidelines that all bus stops in Accra must remain free from unauthorized activities and be maintained exclusively for public transport use, in line with sanitation and safety standards. “The primary goal is to ensure that all bus stops remain accessible for public use,” the representative added.

“All sanitation mandates must be upheld according to AMA standards. This focused effort at Circle Neoplan is just the beginning; similar initiatives will be rolled out at other bus stops that have been converted into trading zones,” the representative concluded.

Below are some photos

The initiative forms part of a broader, long-term strategy to improve sanitation and ensure the free movement of both pedestrians and vehicles within the capital city.

Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey emphasized that the exercise is not a one-off action but a sustainable solution geared towards restoring order, especially in the Central Business District (CBD).

During the first phase of the operation, special attention was given to the surroundings of the AMA Head Office, where teams engaged vendors and directed them to vacate unauthorized stalls blocking pedestrian access.

At Kwame Nkrumah Circle, street vendors operating on pavements were asked to dismantle their setups to create clear walkways. Additionally, vehicles parked along the main roads were ordered to move, while individuals occupying spaces beneath the overhead bridge were also instructed to vacate.

A separate inspection at the VIP terminal revealed a heavy buildup of refuse, prompting officials to demand immediate action. Terminal management was instructed to address the sanitation issues without delay.

Mayor Allotey warned that on their next visit, failure to comply with sanitation directives would attract severe consequences, underscoring the city authorities’ firm stance on maintaining cleanliness and order in all public areas.

Below are some photos captured during the decongestion

This will help create a new growth pole and create hundreds of thousands of jobs during the construction phase and after completion.

The President earlier disclosed this plan ahead of the 2024 election during a meeting with the European Union Ambassador and the EU Chamber of Commerce.

While Accra remains the capital, he asserted that the time has come to decongest it by relocating some of the government ministries, departments, agencies and financial institutions.

Mr Mahama believes a future city could straddle three regions, including Greater Accra, Eastern and Volta Regions and would be close to the Volta Lake with abundant water.

The new city would be a green and digital city and have tourist and amusement attractions, industrial parks and financial services. He said the new city will be a 24 hour city and would not sleep.

During a Thank You tour at Dodowa in the Greater Accra region, he reiterated his plan, stating the proposed city, will be supported by modern infrastructure, including an expressway and a railway line directly linking it to Accra.

“Accra is overstretched,” Mr Mahama stated. “The capital is facing mounting pressure from rapid urbanisation, traffic congestion, and inadequate infrastructure. It is time we think long-term and plan for a new city that can ease this burden,” he said.

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