For years, the bustling Accra Central Business District (CBD) has grappled with persistent challenges: traffic gridlock, the proliferation of street hawkers, and pressing sanitation concerns. Now, a concerted effort is underway to address these issues head-on. The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), in collaboration with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, commenced a joint operation today, Tuesday, May 20th, 2025, aimed at decongesting the Accra CBD. This Accra CBD Clean-Up marks the beginning of a broader strategy to restore order and enhance sanitation within the city’s commercial heart. The initial phase targets areas in the immediate vicinity of the AMA Head Office, signaling a focused and determined start to this vital undertaking.

Gilbert Ankrah, the AMA Public Relations Officer, has outlined the specific areas that will receive immediate attention during this first phase of the Accra CBD Clean-Up. According to Ankrah, the operation will concentrate on several key routes, including Kinbu Road to Railways, ECG Junction to the King Tackie Tawiah Statue, and Opera Square to Adabraka. The exercise will be intensified along Wato Junction through King Tackie Tawiah School to Cow Lane to ensure a thorough clean-up.

“The plan is straightforward, with the main focus on the areas surrounding the AMA Head Office. All zones within that enclave will be addressed. Attention will also be given to the Accra City Hotel and Mövenpick Hotel areas,” stated Gilbert Ankrah.

Prior to the commencement of the operation, AMA Chief Executive Michael Kpakpo Allotey engaged directly with street hawkers, appealing for their cooperation and understanding during the Accra CBD Clean-Up. Recognizing the potential disruption to their livelihoods, Allotey emphasized the importance of their voluntary compliance to ensure a smooth and effective process.

“I am pleading with you to assist us in cleaning up the city and restoring order. We all want a better and more organised environment, and cooperation is vital in achieving that goal,” said Michael Kpakpo Allotey.

The AMA Chief Executive also linked the Accra CBD Clean-Up initiative to the city’s broader vision for economic development, particularly the upcoming 24-hour economy policy. Allotey explained that a cleaner, more organized CBD is essential for the successful implementation of this policy, which aims to create new opportunities for businesses and residents alike.

“Our upcoming 24-hour economy policy will create new opportunities for you to sell your goods overnight. But for now, I plead that we stay off the pavement as we carry out this important cleanup,” Michael Kpakpo Allotey further explained.

The necessity for the Accra CBD Clean-Up stems from a multitude of interconnected factors. Improving sanitation and public health is paramount, as is the reduction of traffic congestion that has long plagued the area. Furthermore, the clean-up aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city, creating a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive. Ultimately, this initiative supports the successful implementation of the 24-hour economy policy, paving the way for a more vibrant and prosperous Accra.

In summary, the Accra CBD Clean-Up represents a crucial step towards a more organized, sanitary, and economically vibrant city center. The success of this operation hinges on the cooperation of all stakeholders, from government agencies to business owners and street hawkers. The long-term benefits of a cleaner and more accessible Central Business District will undoubtedly contribute to a better future for Accra and its residents. This Accra CBD Clean-Up is more than just a sanitation exercise; it’s an investment in the city’s future.