Dr Ernest Adomako, the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei South, has criticised the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for destroying traders’ goods and stalls during a decongestion exercise at Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
The operation began on Monday, November 9, after the assembly gave hawkers 48 hours on Wednesday, November 4, to leave designated bus stops across Accra. The directive followed complaints from commercial drivers about traders operating at the stops.
During a visit to affected traders at Circle, Dr Adomako said he supported efforts to clear bus stops so that commercial vehicles and pedestrians could move freely. However, he said the enforcement should be conducted humanely and should not destroy people’s livelihoods.
The Okaikwei South MP said he would meet Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey to discuss a lasting arrangement for traders working around the Circle terminals.
Traders who spoke during the exercise thanked Dr Adomako for his intervention and asked the assembly to provide alternative locations where they could continue trading without obstructing traffic.
Some also challenged the decision to remove them so close to Christmas, traditionally the busiest trading period of the year. The operation came barely six weeks before the festive season.
“Where do you expect us to go just a month before Christmas, John Mahama?” one displaced trader asked in an interview reported by GhanaWeb.
“What are we supposed to do? Did you come into power to make us suffer?” the trader added.
The AMA says hawkers occupying bus stops around the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, Achimota and the Central Business District cause commercial drivers to pick up and drop off passengers in traffic lanes.
According to the assembly, the practice contributes to congestion and raises the risk of road crashes.
Mr Allotey warned on Saturday, November 7, that goods left at bus stops after Monday’s deadline would be seized and donated to a children’s home.
He also announced a GH¢1,000 Christmas package for pavement traders who consistently comply with the red lines showing where they are permitted to operate.
The AMA and the neighbouring Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly are also planning to close selected stretches of road in December. These include the Cocoa Board-to-Kantamanto and Tudu roads, where traders without permanent shops will be allowed to sell during the festive season.
