The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), in collaboration with the Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly (ONMA), has extended its decongestion operation to Lapaz, clearing traders from service lanes and sections of the busy intersection as authorities intensify efforts to improve traffic flow ahead of the Christmas festivities.
The exercise marks the second day of a special enforcement operation led by Accra Mayor, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, and the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Okaikwei North, Hon. Christian Tetteh Badger.
The task force removed traders and goods occupying portions of the outer lane and designated service lanes at Lapaz, which are intended to facilitate local traffic, commercial pick-ups and drop-offs, pedestrian access and movement into adjoining properties without disrupting traffic on the main carriageway.
The Lapaz operation forms part of a wider 40-day intervention by the AMA to reclaim public spaces, restore the intended use of bus stops and reduce congestion across Accra ahead of the festive season.
Lapaz Traders Cleared Over Traffic and Sanitation Concerns
During the exercise, the task force also removed vendors displaying foodstuffs around accumulated heaps of refuse at the Lapaz intersection, raising concerns about food safety, environmental sanitation and public health.
Addressing journalists, Mayor Allotey expressed concern about the unhygienic conditions under which some traders operated, warning that rodents and insects around refuse dumps could contaminate exposed food products. He cautioned that consumers might purchase fruits and other food items without knowing the conditions under which they had been displayed or stored.
The Mayor therefore urged traders to maintain clean surroundings and avoid selling food near refuse dumps to protect consumers from potential health risks. The operation followed a 48-hour ultimatum issued to traders occupying designated bus stops and other unauthorised locations. The directive was intended to restore order, reduce traffic congestion and provide commercial vehicles with adequate space to pick up and drop off passengers safely.
In its November 4 notice, the AMA warned that traders who disregarded the directive would face enforcement measures under the Assembly’s by-laws, including possible prosecution. The Assembly cautioned that “reoccupation of bus stops will attract further enforcement action, including prosecution.”
AMA Extends Enforcement to Major Accra Bus Stops
Before arriving at Lapaz, the joint task force visited the Caprice bus stop, where tables, chairs, food items, phone accessories and other merchandise were seized. The team subsequently proceeded to Abeka Junction, where a food vendor was cautioned against occupying prohibited spaces.
At the Achimota Overhead, Mayor Allotey commended traders who had complied with earlier directives by vacating the bus stop, urging others across the metropolis to follow suit and facilitate the free movement of traffic. The team also revisited the Telecel Bus Stop at Circle, where motorcyclists occupying the reclaimed space were directed to move.
At Kingsway, the Mayor acknowledged improvements in compliance but expressed concern about traders who continued to disregard the Assembly’s directives. The enforcement activities form part of a broader effort to restore the proper use of public spaces and prevent traders from forcing commercial vehicles to pick up and drop off passengers in active traffic lanes.
The AMA has also indicated that its decongestion measures will extend to other municipalities, requiring cooperation among local authorities to address congestion across adjoining jurisdictions.
ONMA Introduces Weekend Trading Arrangements
The ONMA MCE, Hon. Christian Tetteh Badger, commended the Mayor for the collaboration and outlined measures being considered to regulate trading activities within the municipality. He disclosed that the Assembly had adopted an arrangement under which trading would be permitted in certain designated areas on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, while restrictions would apply from Mondays to Thursdays.
However, he stressed that the arrangement did not authorise trading on pavements or other prohibited spaces.The MCE added that warning signs and public notices had been erected to educate traders about the restrictions and the sanctions associated with violating the Assembly’s by-laws.
The arrangement is intended to provide some flexibility for traders while ensuring that pedestrian walkways, service lanes and designated transport spaces remain accessible.
24-Hour Economy Market Expected to Ease Congestion
As part of longer-term measures to address congestion at Lapaz, Mr Badger disclosed that plans were underway for the construction of a proposed 24-hour economy market. The facility is expected to provide organised trading spaces and improve the movement of commercial vehicles and passengers within the area.
The proposed market could also provide an alternative trading environment for vendors affected by restrictions on unauthorised roadside activities, although its delivery and implementation will be important to determining its impact on local trading conditions.
Meanwhile, the AMA has outlined additional arrangements under its wider Christmas decongestion programme, including designated trading spaces intended to accommodate commercial activities without obstructing traffic.
The Assembly’s broader approach reflects efforts to balance the economic activities of traders with the need for accessible roads, safer transport operations and improved environmental sanitation.
As enforcement continues, the cooperation of traders, transport operators and municipal authorities will be essential to sustaining the gains of the Lapaz exercise and improving the management of public spaces across Accra.
READ MORE: AMA Intensifies Efforts to Decongest Accra Before Christmas
