Juliana Azumah-Mensah
In response to recent clashes between the Task Force of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and hawkers in the Greater Accra region, the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs has called on the Assembly to carry out its duties in a humane manner.
Juliana Azumah-Mensah, Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs expressed dismay over the situation, promising to ensure that peace prevails in the metropolis.
Commenting on the alleged arrest and imprisonment of some iced water sellers in Accra by the AMA Task Force, she indicated that information reaching her indicates that some of the iced water sellers numbering about 20 were allegedly imprisoned at the Nsawam Prisons after they were found guilty of selling on the streets by the AMA court contrary to the bye-laws.
The iced water sellers were allegedly imprisoned because they were unable to pay fines of GH¢600 imposed on each of them by the court.
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah made the call in a release issued in Accra on Wednesday and signed by her.
According to the release, although the ministry’s follow-up on the report at the AMA indicates that no Sanitation and Motor Courts has prosecuted any iced water seller for selling on the streets, the task force needs to exercise restraint and adopt a human face in carrying out its duties.
The release noted that the Assembly’s investigation revealed that street hawkers, who have been arrested and prosecuted by the Assembly, are those who on various occasions have attacked and assaulted members of the Task Force.
“Even though the Assembly has been engaged in the enforcement of the street hawking bye-laws which commenced on April 1, 2011, the AMA Task Force has never arrested and prosecuted a group of 20 girls,” it said.
According to the release, the Ministry is conducting investigations to ensure that the problems are properly addressed.
It therefore called on all hawkers within the metropolis to desist from attacking members of the AMA Task Force to maintain peace in the city.
By Stella Danso Addai
