A new round of arrests has been made at the Agbogbloshie Yam Market as members of the Clean Ghana Campaign Task Force intensified enforcement against traders who continue to operate in unsanitary conditions despite repeated warnings.

Thursday’s operation, led by officials of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), turned dramatic when a yam seller attempted to flee from the task force.

The exercise, which forms part of the city’s broader campaign to enforce sanitation by-laws, targeted traders selling directly on drains and in areas deemed public health hazards.

Public Health Director at AMA, Florence Kuukyi, explained that the AMA remains resolute in restoring cleanliness and order in Accra’s markets.

“We have already arrested about 12 people, and for those we couldn’t arrest, we’ve confiscated their wares. We know that once we have their items, they will come for them,” she said.

However, speaking to JoyNews’ Stephen Mensah, one aggrieved trader questioned the fairness of the operation.

“When we came here, they told us not to sell on the drains. They also said they wouldn't seize our goods if we stayed at a safe distance away from the drains. So why are they taking our goods today?” the trader lamented.

The Clean Ghana Campaign, spearheaded by the AMA, has, over the past few years, launched several enforcement exercises across major markets, transport terminals, and public spaces in Accra.

These operations aim to rid the city of open dumping, indiscriminate disposal of waste, and trading on drains — practices officials say contribute to flooding and public health risks.