The President of the Greater Accra Markets Association, Madam Mercy Afrowa Needjan, has emphasised the urgent need for enforcement measures to address the persistent issue of street trading in Accra’s central business district.

Speaking on the JoyNews News Desk on Tuesday, May 20, Madam Needjan emphasised that the relocation of traders back into designated market spaces can only be effective if backed by consistent and firm supervision.

Read also: AMA kicks off intensive clean-up and decongestion operation in Accra CBD today

“The only thing is strict supervision,” she stated. “If there is strict supervision and they enter into their working spaces and then they stay there… if the mayor sends them into their various spaces and off the pavements, it means there should be strict supervision so that nobody goes back to the street.”

According to Madam Needjan, the absence of follow-up enforcement has often led to traders reclaiming street spaces shortly after being relocated.

She noted that when traders observe others returning to the streets without consequence, they are naturally inclined to follow suit.

“If they move and you allow the places to be occupied by others, naturally they will rush back,” she explained. “So, strict supervision will solve the problem."

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), in collaboration with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, commenced a major decongestion exercise today, Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

The operation initially focused on areas surrounding the AMA Head Office, including Kinbu Road to Railways, ECG Junction to the King Tackie Tawiah Statue, and Opera Square to Adabraka.

This decongestion campaign forms part of a wider strategy aimed at restoring order and improving sanitation across the capital city.