AMA accelerates its decongestion exercise

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has explained that the on-going decongestion exercise across the Central Business District of Accra to rid hawkers and traders off pavements is to ensure the cleanliness of the city.

The on-going decongestion exercise is being undertaken at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Tip-toe Lane, Tudu and Accra Central.

Traders had invaded most pavements, where they displayed their goods and in the process obstructed pedestrian movement, which the AMA has moved-in to get the traders off the pavement.

During a visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to the Central Business District on Wednesday, the third day of the exercise some of the traders expressed misgivings about the actions of the AMA.

Speaking to the GNA, some of the AMA taskforce members said their boss instructed them to undertake the decongestion exercise to clear the streets and clean the entire Central Business District.

Madam Joyce Appiah, a cloth seller who could not hide her disapproval about the exercise said they were given short notice to vacate a situation that compelled her to move her wares for fear of seizure.

She, however, appealed to the leadership of the AMA to consider them by relocating them in a conducive place to ply their trade.

Ms Joyce Duah, a petty trader, expressed her disappointment in the manner in which the AMA carried out the exercise saying they were making it difficult for her to sell.

Madam Ruth Danso, a bag seller said the government and the leadership of the AMA should come to their aid because they are suffering.

Some pedestrians also told the GNA they were delighted about the exercise as the streets were all cleared making movement very easy.

They, however, prayed that the AMA would continue with the exercise since the trading activities on the pavement slowed down movement.