“Where Do You Expect Us to Go?” Accra Traders Cry Out as AMA’s Decongestion Exercise Begins

Traders affected by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s (AMA) decongestion exercise have appealed to city authorities to reconsider the timing of the operation, expressing concern that the decision to remove them from their trading locations comes barely a month before Christmas.

The traders, who spoke to the media on Monday, November 9, 2026, said the exercise could seriously affect their ability to earn a living during one of the most important periods for businesses.

Some of the affected traders expressed frustration over the development, with one appealing to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and help address their concerns.

“Where do you expect us to go just a month before Christmas, John Mahama? What are we supposed to do? Did you come to power to make us suffer?” the trader asked.

The appeal comes after the AMA issued a directive giving traders occupying unauthorised bus stops 48 hours to stop their activities and vacate the affected areas ahead of an enforcement operation.

In a statement released on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, the Assembly explained that the directive followed complaints from commercial drivers about hawkers and other traders conducting business at designated bus stops.

According to the AMA, the presence of traders at these locations obstructs the movement of vehicles and pedestrians, contributes to traffic congestion and forces commuters to board or alight from vehicles at unsafe points, thereby exposing them to potential road accidents.

The Assembly also disclosed that the Accra Mayor, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, had commenced enforcement activities, leading to the removal of traders operating in unauthorised spaces around the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, Achimota and sections of the Central Business District.

Following the initial operation, the AMA directed hawkers and other traders to immediately leave designated bus stops and stop trading in areas reserved for vehicular and pedestrian movement.

It further cautioned that traders who return to locations already cleared would face additional enforcement measures, which could include prosecution.

The Assembly has maintained that the decongestion exercise is aimed at restoring order in public spaces, improving road safety and ensuring that bus stops remain available for their designated purpose.

However, the affected traders believe the timing of the exercise could worsen their financial difficulties, particularly as the Christmas season approaches.

They argue that the period usually brings increased customer activity and provides an important opportunity for businesses to generate additional income.

The traders are therefore urging the authorities to reconsider the timing of the operation, warning that being displaced at this stage could leave many struggling to support themselves and their families.

Source: https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Where-do-you-expect-us-to-go-Traders-cry-over-AMA-decongestion-exercise-2060489

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