The planned decongestion exercise by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) may not come off on the scheduled date. Joy News’ Dzifa Bampoe reports the decongestion exercise which would be the AMA boss’ first major assignment will be on hold until Dr Alfred Vanderpuiye returns from his US trip. The AMA boss at a news conference earlier this month issued an ultimatum to hawkers who sell on pavements and street intersections in the city to relocate to the Pedestrian Shopping Mall at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle. Dr Vanderpuije threatened legal action against traders who refused to comply. But latest information reaching Joy News indicates Dr Vanderpuije is on a trip to the US, a situation that might stall the decongestion process. When contacted greater Accra Regional Minster, Nii Armah Ashitey, said he is unaware of plans made for the decongestion exercise and when it will come off. Sources at the regional coordinating council have however say consultations with stakeholders are yet to be done on the exercise. Joy News has also learnt that Dr Vanderpuije did not seek official permission from the regional minister to embark on his US trip. The decongestion exercise has been criticised by various interest groups who believe the AMA must make adequate arrangements to relocate the hawkers. Streets in Accra are swarmed with hawkers and traders who sell wares from beverages to mattresses. A dog chain seller who spoke to Myjoyonline.com said it would be difficult to move to the Circle mall because he and his colleagues do not make good sales there. Furthermore, earlier mayors of the metropolis have attempted such an exercise but their efforts have been frustrated by traders’ refusal to comply by the assembly’s orders. Story by Fiifi Koomson/Joy News