Accra Mayor meets street hawkers ahead of city clean-up

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, met with street hawkers today in key parts of the Central Business District, just days before a major clean-up exercise begins on Tuesday, May 20.

Joined by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, Mayor Allotey walked through several busy streets on Saturday to talk with traders about the upcoming changes. He asked for their support and explained new city rules aimed at keeping Accra clean and more organized.

The Mayor visited Kinbu Road, Kojo Thompson Road, Sempe Road, Swanzy Road, Guggisberg Avenue, Market Street, Okaishie Road, Kantamanto Street, Nsawam Road, Paa Grant Street, and other areas that will be affected during the first phase of the decongestion.

Speaking to traders, Mayor Allotey explained the goal of the exercise. “This morning, we are here for good, this is not just Accra, this is Ghana, and anyone who enters Ghana enters Accra. Look around, if this were your home, would you keep it like this?” he questioned.

He also shared parts of the government’s 24-hour economy plan. This includes placing solar-powered street lights in trading zones and introducing a system where traders can sell in shifts to allow longer hours on specific days.

“We will fix solar lights that work even without electricity,” he said. “We will block some parts of the roads three to four times a month so that you can trade for 24 hours.”

He also announced new ticket prices that would reduce weekly costs for traders. “We all know the dollar is coming down, so it should reflect in your cost of doing business,” he said. “If you are paying GHS60.00 a week for tickets, we will reduce it to GHS40.00… If you buy tickets for two months and bring them to my office, I will reward you… If you don’t pay and we catch you, we will charge you ten times the actual price.”

The Mayor asked traders to leave the streets by Tuesday. “Please leave the street. I’m begging you… We will come and demarcate the area so that three people can rotate in one space, each selling for eight hours.”

He warned that leftover goods would be taken and donated. “If we return on Tuesday and your things are still here, they won’t return to you,” he said. “We will give them to those who need them.”

He added, “Help me to help you. My doors are always open 24/7. Don’t pay money to anyone to see me. Just walk into my office.”

Mayor Allotey ended by calling for unity in improving the city. “This city is very dirty, but with your help, we can clean it. Let’s make Accra a place of pride… This is the beginning of something new.”