Accra is on the cusp of a major transformation as Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey spearheads a decongestion exercise aimed at street hawkers in the Central Business District. Starting Tuesday, May 20, the initiative seeks to clean up the city, improve sanitation, and foster a more organized trading environment. This comprehensive plan, detailed by Mayor Allotey, outlines the motivations, implications, and support mechanisms for hawkers affected by the changes. The primary goal, according to Mayor Allotey, is to establish Accra as a model capital for the sub-region, emphasizing that this is not an act of aggression but a necessary step forward. The effort to decongest Accra will affect many, and is meant to create a more orderly environment for all.

“This morning, we are here for good, this is not just Accra, this is Ghana, and anyone who enters Ghana enters Accra. Look around, if this were your home, would you keep it like this?” Mayor Allotey stated, underscoring the urgency and importance of the decongestion exercise.

The decongestion exercise is viewed as essential for restoring order and sanitation to the city. The initiative targets key areas within the Central Business District, including Kinbu Road, Kojo Thompson Road, Sempe Road, Swanzy Road, Guggisberg Avenue, Market Street, Okaishie Road, Kantamanto Street, Nsawam Road, and Paa Grant Street. These areas have been identified for the first phase of the decongestion efforts.

To support hawkers during this transition, the government is introducing several measures aimed at easing the impact and fostering a sustainable trading environment.

Solar-Powered Street Lights and 24-Hour Trading

Aligned with the government’s 24-hour economy agenda, the installation of solar-powered street lights will enable extended trading hours for hawkers. This initiative aims to compensate for the reduced trading space by allowing traders to sell for longer hours on selected days through a rotational trading system.

“We will fix solar lights that work even without electricity,” Mayor Allotey stated, adding, “We will block some parts of the roads three to four times a month so that you can trade for 24 hours.”

New Ticketing Policy

A new ticketing policy will be implemented to ease the financial burden on traders, alongside incentives for compliance and penalties for evasion. Traders who purchase tickets for two months in advance will be rewarded, while those who evade ticket payments will face penalties.

“We all know the dollar is coming down, so it should reflect in your cost of doing business. If you are paying GHS60.00 a week for tickets, we will reduce it to GHS40.00. If you pay GHS30.00, it will be reduced to GHS 20.00… if you don’t pay and we catch you, we will charge you ten times the actual price,” Mayor Allotey explained.

Under the rotational trading system, the city will be demarcated to allow for rotational trading, with three people rotating in one space, each selling for eight hours.

“Please leave the street. I’m begging you. When you leave the street, we can clean the city. We will come and demarcate the area so that three people can rotate in one space, each selling for eight hours,” Mayor Allotey pleaded.

Non-compliance with the decongestion exercise will result in the confiscation of wares left on the streets after the deadline. Confiscated items will be donated to prisons or orphanages.

“If we return on Tuesday and your things are still here, they won’t return to you,” Mayor Allotey warned. “We will give them to those who need them.”

Mayor Allotey is also engaging with market leaders to address concerns about other nationals taking over hawkers’ spots and has an open door policy, encouraging hawkers to directly approach his office with their concerns.

“Help me to help you. My doors are always open 24/7. Don’t pay money to anyone to see me. Just walk into my office,” he appealed.

The decongestion is part of a broader effort to reset the capital, aligning with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for Accra, aiming for a cleaner, more secure, and fairer trading environment.

“This city is very dirty, but with your help, we can clean it. Let’s make Accra a place of pride,” the Mayor said. “This is the beginning of something new.”

The decongestion exercise led by Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey marks a significant step towards a more organized and cleaner Accra. While the changes may present challenges for street hawkers, the Mayor’s plan includes measures such as new ticketing policies, solar-powered street lights, and a rotational trading system. The ultimate goal is to transform Accra into a model capital, aligning with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for a better future. Collaboration and understanding between the city authorities and the hawkers will be crucial to ensure a smooth transition.