AMA unveils strategy to alleviate traffic in Accra during Christmas

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced an upcoming operation to help facilitate and ease the flow of both human and vehicular traffic within the Central Business District(CBD) and other parts of the Metropolis as we approach the festive season.

The operation dubbed "Operation Let the Traffic Flow" is expected to commence after a Metro-wide public announcement from Tuesday 28th November to 5th December 2023 to alert traders plying their trade, especially on the streets to leave, as well as drivers who park at unauthorized locations in the city to desist from the practice after which there will be strict enforcement by the combined team of Assembly’s Taskforce with support from the security agencies.

Mayor of Accra, Hon. Elizabeth K.T. Sackey made the announcement on Tuesday at a press conference held at the Naa Dedei Omaedru III conference room at the AMA.

She said the decision to undertake the operations was reached at the METSEC meeting on Monday 27th November, 2023.

She said trading activities especially on the streets and pavements aside from the designated areas were prohibited and against the Bye-Laws of the Assembly adding that "parking and loading at unauthorized places was unlawful and vehicles found parked at unapproved locations would be towed and offenders duly fined."

She directed all trading activities on the Kaneshie overhead bridge to cease with immediate effect to prevent looming disaster, stressing that traders found disobeying would be prosecuted.

She said a special task force would be deployed to ensure compliance and those found culpable would be arrested and prosecuted.

"As the Assembly celebrates its 125th Anniversary and during this festive season, we must all adhere to a conscientious approach to maintaining the cleanliness of our city. I urge each citizen within the Metropolis to refrain from the practices of littering and dumping refuse into drains and other unauthorized places," she stated.

"I trust in the sense of responsibility that each citizen possesses, and together, let us ensure a clean and vibrant city for all to enjoy, during the Christmas holidays and beyond... I, therefore, urge all stakeholders/residents to support "Operation Let the Traffic Flow", as it is a collective effort to create a more organized and enjoyable urban experience," she added.

She was hopeful of celebrating a festive season marked by enhanced mobility, clean environs, safety, and the spirit of togetherness and urged all and sundry to contribute their quota towards making Accra a model city for all, where all can Live and Love It.

Present at the press conference were members of the Metro Security Council and Assembly members.