Why Lapaz traders are being sacked from the streets - Minister explains

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, has urged traders operating along the streets of Lapaz to vacate the area to allow for the free movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

According to her, although trading activities are important to the livelihoods of many women in the area, public safety and accessibility must also be prioritised to prevent congestion and possible accidents.

Speaking during an inspection tour of the area on Thursday, May 7, 2026, the minister said authorities were concerned about the increasing number of traders occupying portions of the streets and pavements meant for vehicles and pedestrians.

“Traders have taken over the street. And so we came here to inspect what is going on. In fact, the MCE's attention was drawn and we want him to tell us the measures he has put in place to make sure that they either relocate them or push them back so that we have the street for pedestrians to move through. And drivers to move through. He should tell us the measures he has taken in place so far,” she stated.

The minister, however, stressed that the exercise was not intended to deprive traders, especially women, of their means of livelihood, noting that she remained concerned about their welfare.

“But you know, I'm much concerned. I mean, when it comes to women, I'm so much concerned about them and so, situations where they will be deprived, I mean, from selling, that is what I don't want to hear, or I don't like,” she added.

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Linda Ocloo explained that the goal of the intervention was to strike a balance between trading activities and public safety, ensuring that both traders and commuters could coexist without disruption.

“We want to allow them to trade. In as much as they are trading, we should also have free movement of vehicles and human being so that we will all be safe. Trust me, if a vehicle fails breaks now, you can imagine the number of people that will be affected,” the minister cautioned.

The inspection forms part of ongoing efforts by city authorities to decongest major commercial areas within the capital and improve safety and movement within busy trading centres.

SO/SA

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