The President of the Greater Accra Market Association (GAMA), Mercy Naa Afrowa Needjan, has declared strong support for the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s (AMA) ongoing decongestion campaign in the Central Business District (CBD), describing it as a “good agenda” that deserves collective backing from traders.

Her remarks followed the launch of a joint clean-up and decongestion operation on Tuesday, May 20, between the AMA and the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly. The initiative is focused on removing unauthorised street trading and reducing traffic congestion, beginning with key locations including Kinbu Road, Railways, ECG Junction, King Tackie Tawiah Statue, Opera Square, and Adabraka.

Appearing on JoyNews’ News Desk, Madam Needjan stressed the urgent need to restore order in the city, noting the growing encroachment of streets and pavements by traders.
“We’ve all seen what’s happening on the roads — no parking for vehicles, no walkways for pedestrians. Every part of the street is occupied,” she lamented.

She drew attention to the underutilisation of existing market facilities in Accra, observing that many traders have abandoned designated spaces such as Makola, Adabraka, Osu, and Circle Markets in favour of selling on the streets, where foot traffic is higher.

“It’s shocking because there are several markets around these areas, yet they’re empty,” she said.

“I’m at Makola Market, and it’s now being used to store wholesale goods instead of serving customers. Traders are preparing to sell outside, because that’s where the customers are — and every trader follows the money.”

Madam Needjan issued a passionate appeal to traders to return to the markets, which she described as more conducive for business and better structured to support safe and orderly commerce.

“I’m pleading with the traders. I know many of those operating on the streets are from Makola or the surrounding areas. Adabraka Market is empty. Osu Market is also empty. Even Circle Market, which was built specifically for pedestrian trading, remains unused.”

She noted that the successful implementation of the AMA’s efforts would benefit all stakeholders — traders, customers, motorists, and pedestrians alike.

“We are pleading with them. We want to go inside the market so the streets will become vacant for cars to move freely and for those selling on pavements to find proper trading spaces.”

Madam Needjan reiterated the Greater Accra Market Association’s full support for the decongestion campaign and called on market leaders and traders to cooperate fully with city authorities.
“This is not just about the AMA or the government. It’s about all of us — creating a safer, cleaner, and more functional Accra.”