Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, the Mayor of Accra and Chief Executive Officer of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), has announced plans to revive a major decongestion exercise in the city’s central business district (CBD), pledging a more sustained approach to restoring order on Accra’s streets.
Mayor Allotey has confirmed that the exercise — which will include the reintroduction of the “Red Line” initiative — is set to resume as part of efforts to address persistent congestion caused by unauthorized trading on pavements and road shoulders. The Red Line rule, a measure originally used by former local authorities, requires traders to stay behind a designated line to allow free movement of pedestrians and vehicles.
The renewed exercise is intended to decongest major business areas where informal trading has proliferated despite previous clean-up efforts. The Mayor warned traders to respect the boundaries or face enforcement actions, underscoring AMA’s determination to maintain orderly public spaces.
Ahead of the exercise, the Mayor and AMA officials have engaged with hawkers and traders to sensitize them on the process and expectations, urging them to find lawful places for their businesses and comply with local bylaws.
