The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has begun the removal of unauthorised structures along the shoulders of major streets and on government-reserved lands across the metropolis.

The operation, led by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, covered areas including the Awudome Cemetery stretch, the Awudome roundabout, the frontage of the Royal House Chapel, North Kaneshie Last Stop, and the Tuesday Market. Informal structures occupying public spaces in these locations were removed.

At the Tuesday Market, the Mayor inspected the ongoing evacuation of solid waste and the desilting of drains around the market as part of efforts to improve sanitation and ease movement.

He ordered the removal of all private structures erected within the market to pave the way for its redevelopment and announced that the Assembly would undertake a major clean-up exercise there during the next National Sanitation Day.

The Mayor also inspected a facility believed to be an AMA warehouse and directed its managers to report to the Assembly for clarification on its use and management.

The operation further saw the removal of structures along the Awudome Cemetery corridor and the frontage of the Royal House Chapel. Individuals engaged in activities such as air-conditioning repairs, vulcanising, food vending and the sale of car spare parts were removed from the area and cautioned not to return.

At the Awudome roundabout, the Mayor and his team cleared unauthorised structures, removed scrap dealers, and took down banners, billboards and canopies positioned along the road corridor.

The team later moved to North Kaneshie Last Stop, where the Mayor directed a fitting shop operating under an ECG high-tension pole to vacate the area by Friday. He warned that vehicles parked there would be towed if the directive was not complied with.

Speaking during the operation, the Mayor said the Assembly would sustain the enforcement exercise to reclaim road shoulders, walkways and public lands.

He said that the unauthorised occupation of public spaces contributes to sanitation challenges and poses safety risks.

He noted that the ongoing removals form part of broader measures ahead of the February 1 decongestion exercise and warned that persons who return to cleared areas would face the law.

He added that the AMA would continue to engage stakeholders while ensuring compliance with regulations governing public spaces to keep Accra orderly, accessible and safe.