AMA to designate streets for Christmas trading from 6am to 6pm

Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey has announced plans by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to designate selected streets in the metropolis for trading between 6am and 6pm as part of measures to manage congestion during the Christmas festivities.

The arrangement is expected to provide traders with approved spaces to sell their goods while allowing vehicles and pedestrians to move freely during the busy festive season.

GNCCI calls for climate-resilient investments in districts

The initiative, dubbed “Operation Let the Traffic Flow”, will focus on managing the increase in commercial activities, particularly in the Central Business District and surrounding areas.

Allotey announced the planned measures on Saturday, November 7, 2026, during activities marking the November edition of the National Sanitation Day.

He said the AMA is working with other sister assemblies to ensure that trading activities during the Christmas season does not obstruct traffic or make it difficult for commuters to move around.

“We want traders to have places where they can sell their goods, but we also want vehicles and pedestrians to move freely,” he said.

As part of the arrangements, the Mayor directed traders operating at bus stops to vacate the spaces immediately, explaining that the locations are reserved for public transport operations.

He said traders who had requested more time to relocate had been given until Monday, warning that goods left at the bus stops after the deadline would be confiscated and donated to a children’s home.

Allotey, however, clarified that the Assembly is not seeking to remove all traders from the pavements.

He said those operating within officially marked areas could continue their activities as long as they remained behind the designated lines.

He urged traders to cooperate with the Assembly, saying the street arrangements were intended to support their businesses while keeping Accra accessible during the Christmas season.

ANAS/EB

Dr Zanetor Challenges Workers: “Turn Your Skills Into Commercial Ventures”