The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has cautioned traders operating on pavements within the Central Business District (CBD) not to pay any unauthorised fees beyond the official GHS 2 daily market toll.
The directive, according to the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, is in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to protecting the poor and vulnerable in society.
Hon. Allotey issued the caution during a working visit to the CBD, where he sensitised traders on unauthorised fee collection and reinforced the Assembly’s directives on street trading and sanitation enforcement.
Addressing traders during the engagement, he clarified that the only legitimate fee required from traders was the official GHS 2 daily toll sanctioned by the AMA and stressed that no individual or group was to collect any additional payments.
“I want to make it clear that I have not authorised anyone to collect weekly fees or other payments from traders. Those caught extorting money will face prosecution because these acts are illegal and exploitative”
Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, Mayor of Accra
The Mayor expressed concern over reports of individuals extorting money from hawkers and market women under the pretext of collecting levies on behalf of the Assembly or his office. He described the practice as unlawful and urged traders to resist such exploitation.
The Mayor further reiterated that President Mahama’s government recognised the economic difficulties confronting market women and hawkers and had, therefore, directed that no extra financial burdens be imposed on them.
Hon. Allotey reminded traders that all Ghanaians had the right to earn a living without intimidation or financial harassment and encouraged traders to insist on their official AMA tickets as proof of payment for daily tolls.
“Every trader must insist on an AMA ticket as proof of payment,” he stated, cautioning that any payment without such receipts was unauthorised. He also warned the levy collectors to be diligent in their duty and not take any extra charges beyond the official daily toll from the traders.
The Mayor added that the Assembly was collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure transparency in fee collection across all trading zones. He emphasised that the AMA would not hesitate to take legal action against individuals or groups found guilty of extorting money from traders moving forward.
Decent Market Structures
Hon. Allotey also assured the traders that the AMA was working to construct and allocate affordable shops to relocate hawkers currently operating on pavements. This, he explained, was part of a broader plan to maintain order and ensure the safety of both traders and pedestrians within the city.
He cautioned, however, that traders who continued to display their goods or sell on roads would be arrested and prosecuted at the newly established Sanitation Court. “We are creating a decent trading environment for everyone,” the Mayor noted, urging strict compliance in order to avoid sanctions and penalties.
The Mayor’s visit, which formed part of the Assembly’s efforts to maintain order and ensure adherence with trading regulations, was also aimed at strengthening communication between city authorities and the trading community.
He was accompanied by the Metro Finance Director, Mr. Abeeku Amissah; the Head of the Public Affairs Unit, Mr. Gilbert Nii Ankrah; and other senior officials from the AMA.
The Assembly reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring that no trader is exploited under the guise of fee collection. It further urged the public to report any instances of extortion to the appropriate authorities for immediate action.
As Accra continues its transformation under President Mahama’s administration, the AMA remains focused on balancing urban regulation with the protection of the livelihoods of ordinary Ghanaians, particularly those operating within informal sectors such as market trading.
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