The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has carried out a major decongestion exercise at the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange, removing unauthorised mechanic activities and clearing abandoned vehicles in a renewed effort to restore order and improve traffic flow in the capital.
The operation, led by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, forms part of a broader urban management strategy aimed at reclaiming public spaces, enhancing sanitation, and ensuring that key commercial areas in the city remain accessible and attractive. During the exercise, several abandoned vehicles were towed away, while others parked indiscriminately along the frontage of a Hyundai showroom were removed.
Mechanics operating illegally in the area were directed to vacate immediately, with some instructed to drive away movable vehicles and warned against returning to the site. The Mayor explained that the intervention was necessary to address growing concerns about congestion, environmental degradation, and the misuse of public infrastructure within the metropolis.
AMA Removes Illegal Roadside Activities
Speaking during the exercise, Mr Allotey cautioned mechanics against using roadsides, pavements, and business frontages as informal workshops, stressing that such practices undermine the city’s image and disrupt legitimate economic activity.
“The city must work for everybody. We cannot allow a few people to take over public spaces, damage the roads, create congestion and prevent others from doing legitimate business.”
Mr. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, Accra Mayor.
He noted that while mechanics and artisans play an important role in the local economy, their operations must be carried out in designated areas that meet regulatory standards. According to him, unregulated roadside repairs often lead to oil spills, physical damage to roads, and obstruction of both pedestrian and vehicular movement.
The Mayor further emphasised that maintaining order in commercial zones is essential for attracting investors and ensuring that businesses operate in a conducive environment. He pointed out that frontages of car dealerships and other enterprises must remain clean, accessible, and visually appealing.
Mayor Warns Against Abandoned Vehicles
Mr Allotey also raised concerns about the increasing number of abandoned vehicles across the city, describing them as a major contributor to congestion and environmental hazards. He urged vehicle owners to desist from leaving broken-down or unused vehicles on roadsides, warning that the Assembly would not hesitate to tow such vehicles and surcharge their owners.
“Abandoned vehicles are not just an eyesore; they pose safety risks and contribute directly to traffic congestion. We will continue to remove them and ensure that owners are held accountable,” he said. The Mayor added that the Assembly would intensify monitoring efforts and collaborate with security agencies to enforce compliance, ensuring that public spaces are used strictly for their intended purposes.
Assembly Expands Decongestion Exercise
The AMA indicated that the operation at the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange is only one phase of a wider decongestion campaign that will be extended to other parts of the city. According to the Mayor, similar exercises will be carried out in areas where unauthorised activities have taken over roadsides and pavements, particularly in densely populated and high-traffic zones.
He encouraged mechanics and other informal operators currently working in unauthorised spaces to voluntarily relocate to approved areas before enforcement teams arrive. The Assembly, he said, is committed to restoring discipline across the metropolis while balancing enforcement with public education. Efforts are also being made to raise awareness about the link between poor urban practices, congestion, and declining environmental standards.
Residents and stakeholders have been urged to support the initiative by adhering to city regulations and reporting violations where necessary. The Mayor stressed that sustainable urban development requires cooperation from all sections of society. He reaffirmed the AMA’s commitment to building a cleaner, more organised, and business-friendly city, adding that consistent enforcement and public cooperation would be key to achieving long-term results.
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