The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has directed all traders occupying unauthorised bus stops across the metropolis to cease trading and vacate the affected locations within 48 hours, ahead of an enforcement exercise.
The directive was contained in a press release dated Wednesday, November 4, 2026. It was signed by the Head of Public Affairs, Gilbert Nii Ankrah, for the Metro Chief Executive. The Assembly said the exercise is meant to restore order and ensure the proper use of public spaces.
AMA orders traders off bus stops
The release instructs traders to “immediately cease trading” and leave the affected locations within the 48-hour window. The Assembly reiterated that it would intensify enforcement and take action against anyone who disregards the directive, in line with its by-laws.
“The Assembly is therefore urging all hawkers and traders to immediately vacate designated bus stops and refrain from trading in areas reserved for their movement and the stopping of vehicles and pedestrians.”
Press Release from AMA
The statement did not give the exact date or time the enforcement exercise would begin, or say when the 48 hours start counting. It also did not list the bus stops to be cleared beyond the locations where work has begun, or say how many traders are affected. The window is short, which leaves traders little time to relocate stock and equipment.
Drivers raise concerns over obstructed stops
The AMA highlighted that the directive followed concerns raised by commercial drivers over the obstruction of designated stopping points. According to the release, this impedes the movement of vehicles and pedestrians and poses risks to public safety.
The Assembly acknowledged that hawkers’ occupation at designated bus stops obstructs traffic and adds to congestion. It stated that the practice “forces commuters to board and alight from vehicles at unsafe locations, increasing the risk of road accidents.”
The statement did not name the drivers’ groups that raised the concerns, or say when or how they were conveyed. The Assembly also gave no figures on accidents or congestion linked to the obstruction. Its argument rests on safety: when bus stops are blocked, passengers and drivers are pushed into traffic.
Mayor begins enforcement at key locations
The Assembly said the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, had already begun enforcement measures. These include removing traders occupying unauthorised spaces at the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, Achimota and parts of the Central Business District (CBD).
The release did not say how many traders had been removed or whether any goods were seized. It did not say whether any alternative trading spaces would be offered to those affected.The three locations are among the busiest transport points in the city. The Kwame Nkrumah Interchange and Achimota handle heavy traffic and passenger movement, and the CBD is a major commercial hub.
By naming them, the Assembly signals that enforcement has started in areas where congestion is most visible, and that the 48-hour directive extends the same approach to the rest of the metropolis.
AMA warns hawkers against returning
The Assembly cautioned traders against going back to cleared locations. It warns that any reoccupation of bus stops would draw further enforcement action, including prosecution.
“The AMA cautions hawkers against returning to cleared locations, as the reoccupation of bus stops will attract further enforcement action including prosecution.”
AMA warns hawkers in the Press Release
The warning addresses a familiar problem with clearance exercises: traders return once enforcement officers leave. By raising the prospect of prosecution, the Assembly is trying to make clearances last rather than treating them as one-off operations.
The release did not specify which by-laws would be used for prosecution, or what penalties offenders could face.The release closed by restating the Assembly’s position on public order. It affirms that the AMA “remains committed to maintaining public order, promoting road safety and ensuring the orderly use of public spaces across the metropolis.”
With the 48-hour window running, attention will turn to whether traders comply voluntarily and how the Assembly carries out the exercise. It will also turn to whether affected traders receive any guidance on where they can trade.
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