The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has begun a citywide exercise to remove unauthorised structures occupying road shoulders, walkways and government-reserved lands across the metropolis.
The operation, led by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, covered areas including the Awudome Cemetery stretch, Awudome roundabout, the frontage of the Royal House Chapel, North Kaneshie Last Stop and the Tuesday Market. Informal structures and activities encroaching on public spaces in these locations were demolished and cleared.
At the Tuesday Market, the Mayor inspected ongoing desilting of drains and evacuation of solid waste as part of efforts to improve sanitation and ease movement. He ordered the removal of all private structures within the market to make way for redevelopment and announced plans for a major clean-up exercise during the next National Sanitation Day.
The operation also saw the removal of structures along the Awudome Cemetery corridor and the frontage of the Royal House Chapel, with traders and artisans such as food vendors, vulcanisers and air-conditioning repairers cautioned not to return. At the Awudome roundabout, scrap dealers were cleared, while billboards, banners and canopies erected along the road corridor were removed.
In North Kaneshie, the Mayor directed a fitting shop operating under an ECG high-tension pole to vacate the area by Friday, warning that vehicles parked there would be towed if the directive was ignored.
Mayor Allotey said the enforcement exercise would be sustained as part of preparations for a February 1 decongestion exercise, noting that unauthorised occupation of public spaces contributes to sanitation problems and safety risks. He warned that offenders who return to cleared areas would face the law, while assuring that the AMA would continue stakeholder engagements to keep Accra orderly, accessible and safe.