The pavements around the Kwame Nkrumah Circle VIP Station in Accra remained largely free of traders on Monday, May 26, following a recent decongestion exercise led by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).

According to a situational report by JoyNews' Collins Frimpong, only a handful of traders were observed slowly returning to the area, cautiously awaiting official direction on where they may be permitted to resume their business.

According to AMA officials, designated selling spaces are yet to be demarcated, and no unauthorised trading will be allowed.

The latest operation forms part of a broader crackdown on street hawking and unauthorised trading on pedestrian walkways around the busy transport hub.

Over the years, the area has become increasingly congested with vendors, impeding pedestrian movement and raising concerns about safety and sanitation.

Read also: Kwame Nkrumah Circle: Accra’s crime hub left to grow worse over time

A combined task force comprising AMA personnel and officers from the National Security has been deployed to the VIP section of the Circle transport terminal to enforce the clearance.

The taskforce, officials say, will maintain a visible presence at the site throughout the day to prevent traders from returning to unauthorised spots.

Speaking to the media, an AMA official reiterated the assembly’s commitment to keeping pedestrian zones free of obstructions and promoting order in the city.

“We are determined to ensure that pavements serve their intended purpose, for pedestrian use, not trading. The task force will remain on site to ensure compliance until further notice,” the official stated.

While the operation has been met with mixed reactions from traders, many city dwellers have welcomed the move, describing it as a much-needed effort to restore order and ease movement within the bustling Circle enclave.

The AMA has indicated that further engagements will be held with affected traders to identify alternative, legal spaces where they can carry out their business without disrupting public infrastructure or endangering lives.