In a bid to restore order and improve sanitation in Accra’s Central Business District (CBD), the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has launched a major decongestion exercise to crackdown on street trading. The operation, which began on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, saw AMA task forces, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, dismantle makeshift stalls, unauthorised kiosks, and remove vendors who had taken over pavements and roadsides in key parts of the CBD.
The decision to take action against street traders comes as part of renewed efforts to enforce city bylaws, ease congestion, and ensure the safe movement of both pedestrians and vehicles. Areas surrounding the AMA Head Office, such as Kinbu Road to Railways, ECG Junction to the King Tackie Tawiah Statue, and Opera Square through to Adabraka, are the primary focus of the first phase of the exercise.
The crackdown on street trading is a step in the right direction towards creating a more organised and functional CBD in Accra. By removing unauthorized structures and vendors from the streets, the AMA aims to create a more pleasant and safe environment for both residents and visitors.
While street trading has long been a part of the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of Accra, it is important to strike a balance between allowing informal businesses to thrive and maintaining order in the city centre. The AMA’s decongestion exercise serves as a reminder to all vendors to operate within the confines of the law and obtain the necessary permits to conduct business in designated areas.
In the meantime, as street trading is being regulated in Accra’s CBD, why not take the opportunity to explore Ghanaian food recipes and enjoy a taste of local cuisine at one of the many eateries and restaurants in the city? From delicious jollof rice to spicy kelewele, there’s something for every palate to enjoy while supporting local businesses.
As the AMA continues its crackdown on street trading in Accra’s CBD, let’s embrace the changes and work together towards making the city centre a cleaner, safer, and more organized place for all. Your support and cooperation are key in creating a thriving and sustainable urban environment for generations to
Ghanaflare.com
