PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
United Press for Development Network (UPDN) Commends AMA Mayor for Bold Decongestion Initiative
Accra, Ghana – 18th May 2025
The United Press for Development Network (UPDN) wishes to commend the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, for his bold, decisive, and commendable leadership in launching a major decongestion exercise aimed at restoring order, enhancing pedestrian safety, and revitalizing urban sanitation in Ghana’s capital city.
This long-awaited move, which is set to begin on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, reflects a firm commitment to the enforcement of the AMA Hawkers Bye-Laws (2017) and Section 117(1) of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180). It is our hope that this exercise will not be yet another nine-day wonder as has often been the case in the past, but rather a sustained effort backed by consistent policy implementation and public accountability.
UPDN further applauds the collaborative approach adopted by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA), in partnership with the Ghana Police Service, market leaders, transport unions, and other critical stakeholders. This reflects a coordinated vision for urban transformation and responsible city management.
We respectfully urge other Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country to emulate this exemplary effort to curb the uncontrolled sprawl of street trading that continues to impede pedestrian movement, increase road risks, and undermine the aesthetic and economic potential of our urban spaces.
Nonetheless, we caution that this noble effort must be depoliticized. The exercise should not become a political tool or suffer sabotage by partisan interference. Ghana’s cities need bold leadership and apolitical development action to thrive.
While we recognize the socio-economic role of informal sector workers, we emphasize the urgent need for government and city authorities to expand and enhance existing market infrastructure to create sustainable alternatives for displaced hawkers. The transformation of Accra into a modern, clean, and orderly city must go hand-in-hand with inclusive development strategies that provide viable livelihood paths for all.
In this regard, UPDN respectfully calls on the AMA to stay the course and resist pressures to postpone or weaken the current operation. We particularly urge the Mayor to disregard the recent plea from the Union of Informal Workers Association (UIWA) under the TUC seeking an extension of the 20th May deadline. Adequate stakeholder consultations have already been held, and the AMA has assured the public that sufficient space exists within designated markets to accommodate traders.
We call on all affected individuals and groups to cooperate fully with the authorities and support this transformative agenda. The restoration of order and dignity to the capital is a shared responsibility.
About UPDN:
United Press for Development Network (UPDN) is an organization dedicated to promoting press freedom, media development, good and transparent governance, economic, environmental/climate change and sustainable development across Africa. Through capacity building, advocacy, and networking, UPDN empowers journalists and media organizations to uphold professional standards, foster governmental accountability, and advance public interest.
UPDN Communication Directorate
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Signed
Rev. Kofi Asante Mensah
(President)
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