‘We won’t move’ – Traders declare war on AMA 48-hour eviction order

The Union of Informal Workers Associations (UNIWA) has threatened to mobilise hawkers, traders and street vendors for a massive demonstration if the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) proceeds with its 48-hour ultimatum to clear unauthorised bus stops across the metropolis.

The union says it will resist any attempt to force traders out of their operating locations without proper consultation and the provision of alternative trading spaces.

In a press statement dated November 4, 2026, and signed by its General Secretary, Enoch Bioh, UNIWA described the AMA’s directive as abrupt, arguing that it comes shortly after engagements between the union, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and relevant authorities over the same concerns.

The AMA, in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, directed traders occupying unauthorised bus stops to stop trading and vacate the locations within 48 hours ahead of an enforcement exercise.

However, UNIWA questioned why the Assembly had resorted to an ultimatum when discussions on trading spaces, bus stops and the use of public areas had only recently concluded.

The union said the AMA should have allowed the outcomes of those engagements to take effect or returned to the negotiating table before announcing its enforcement plans.

While acknowledging the need to maintain traffic flow and protect public safety, UNIWA also took issue with what it described as attempts by commercial drivers to threaten traders and demand their removal from lorry stations and bus stops.

"Commercial drivers are neither the Police nor city authorities. They have no legal power or mandate to issue threats or demand the removal of traders from lorry stations and bus stops," the statement said.

It added that any such threats or actions by drivers were unlawful and would not be tolerated by traders.

UNIWA further warned that the proposed eviction could trigger an unprecedented confrontation between traders and city authorities, insisting that hawkers and street vendors were prepared to demonstrate if the AMA proceeded without addressing their concerns.

"For the first time in the history of Ghana, hawkers, traders, and street vendors stand ready to embark on a demonstration against the city authorities should this enforcement proceed without proper consultation and alternative arrangements," the union declared.

The association argued that informal traders support thousands of families and remain an important part of Accra's economy, warning that forcibly removing them without adequate notice or alternative locations would worsen their economic difficulties.

It has consequently called on the AMA and the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, to immediately suspend the 48-hour deadline and halt any planned enforcement exercise.

The union is also demanding that the Assembly respect the outcomes of its recent engagements with UNIWA and the TUC, while opening urgent discussions with representatives of affected traders.

It further wants the AMA to provide suitable alternative trading spaces that will allow traders to earn a living without undermining public order.

Although UNIWA says it remains open to dialogue, it has cautioned that any attempt to remove traders without what it considers due process will be met with the full mobilisation of hawkers, traders and street vendors.

The warning sets the stage for a possible confrontation between the Assembly and informal traders as the AMA prepares to enforce its directive.

EA