Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, has announced that traders who operate illegally on pavements and streets within Accra’s Central Business District (CBD) will face fines of up to GH₵2,000.
The warning follows a major decongestion exercise carried out on Tuesday, May 20, by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) in collaboration with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly. The operation aims to clear unauthorised street vendors, reduce congestion, enforce city bylaws, and improve urban sanitation.
During a tour of the CBD to monitor the exercise, Minister Ocloo stressed the government’s commitment to restoring order in the city. She announced the deployment of a 24-hour task force to enforce compliance and warned that clear boundary lines would be marked on streets to prevent vendors from encroaching on pedestrian walkways.
“We are activating our task force to operate 24/7. A red line will be drawn to demarcate no-trade zones. Anyone who crosses that line will face a fine ranging from GH₵1,500 to GH₵2,000. Market leaders will also support in monitoring and enforcement,” she stated.
In a related development, AMA Metropolitan Chief Executive, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, revealed that the Assembly is considering a structured approach to regulate street trading under the government’s 24-hour economy initiative.
He noted that certain streets may be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic on specific days to allow vendors without market stalls to trade legally, under supervision and with appropriate licensing.
“As part of the 24-hour economy plan, we will designate specific days when streets will be closed to allow vendors to sell. Drivers will be redirected, and tickets will be issued to sellers,” he said.
According to the MCE, this initiative aims to balance economic activity with city order, ensuring that street trading continues in a lawful, safe, and organised manner.
