In a bold twist to Accra’s ongoing decongestion campaign, the Mayor of Accra, Michael Allotey, has announced that all items seized from illegal street vendors will now be donated to the Ghana Prisons Service.
Speaking to journalists after the launch of the operation on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Mayor Allotey revealed a shift from the traditional practice of auctioning confiscated goods. “I will pack all these things for the prison when I come tomorrow. Today is your lucky day,” he said, sending a strong message to repeat offenders.
The decongestion exercise, spearheaded by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) in collaboration with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA), is targeting key choke points in the Central Business District, specifically Kinbu Road, ECG Junction, Opera Square, and surrounding areas. These locations have long been known for overcrowded sidewalks, unregulated vending, and vehicular gridlock.
The initiative aims to enforce city by-laws, clear pedestrian pathways, and improve sanitation in the capital. On Day 1, city officials dismantled unauthorized structures and cleared pathways obstructed by traders.
“This exercise is not a nine-day wonder; we will be on the streets until we ensure that the roads are clear,” the Mayor stated firmly, signaling a sustained crackdown.
By redirecting seized goods to prisons instead of selling them, the AMA says it aims to create social value while discouraging illegal vending. The Mayor’s announcement has already sparked public conversation, with some applauding the humanitarian twist and others urging more dialogue with informal traders.
As the campaign intensifies, residents can expect tighter enforcement and more visible city patrols in the days ahead.
