Chaos as task force stormed Tetteh Quarshie Roundabout to clear traders, squatters

Ayawaso West Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Michael Mensah, has warned traders against returning to the areas close to Villagio residential apartments and the Tetteh Quashie Roundabout to engage in commercial activities.

According to him, the area is a residential enclave and must not be turned into a market.

His comments follow a fresh clearance exercise conducted by the municipal task force to remove traders who have occupied unauthorised spaces in the area.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, on October 8, 2026, Mensah said the assembly had cleared the area several times, but traders continued to return after each exercise.

“We have cleared the area several times, but they always come back. That place is not a market, so we shouldn’t turn it into one,” he said.

He explained that the latest operation was carried out on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, but some traders had started returning by the following morning.

“We went there to clear the area on Wednesday, but this morning, I passed by and realised they were coming back,” he said.

Mensah said the assembly would not relent in its efforts to prevent traders from occupying spaces that have not been designated for commercial activities.

He noted that the challenge was not limited to Villagio, citing similar activities around the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).

According to him, traders continue to sell from the median at UPSA despite previous attempts by the assembly to clear the area.

“Around UPSA too, we have cleared the area, but people are still selling within the median. So, we will sustain this effort,” he added.

The MCE further warned that the assembly could take stricter action against traders who disregard its directives.

He said while traders were only asked to leave during Wednesday’s exercise, future operations could result in the seizure of their goods.

“When we came there on Wednesday, we simply asked you to leave. But if we return, we will seize your items,” he stated.

Mensah urged traders to heed the warning and stay away from the marked area, stressing that the assembly would continue enforcing its regulations to keep residential and other restricted areas free from unauthorised trading.

NA/VPO