Accra Traders Face GH₵2,000 Fine for Street and Pavement Encroachment – Minister Warns

Traders operating on pavements and streets within Accra’s Central Business District (CBD) now face fines of up to GH₵2,000 for violating city bylaws, following a stern announcement by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Ocloo.

The directive comes on the heels of a major decongestion exercise carried out on Tuesday, May 20, by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) in collaboration with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly. The clean-up operation targeted unauthorised street traders, with the aim of reducing congestion, improving sanitation, and restoring order in the capital city.

Touring the CBD during the exercise, Minister Ocloo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing city regulations. She cautioned that a dedicated task force will operate around the clock to ensure compliance.

“We are going to activate our task force to work 24 hours. They are going to draw a red line on the road, so with this, when you cross the line, you have a fee to pay—GH₵1,500 to GH₵2,000. We are also appointing market leaders to help monitor activities aside from the task force,” she said.

The Minister further warned individuals and groups against obstructing the operation, saying any attempts to undermine the effort will be met with strict penalties.

In a related development, AMA’s Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Michael Kpakpo Allotey, revealed plans to designate specific days for street trading under the government’s 24-hour economy initiative.

“With those who do not have space in the market, under the 24-hour economy plan, there is going to be a day that the street will be blocked for the market women to sell, and we will collect our tickets while drivers are diverted to alternate routes,” the MCE explained.

He emphasized that the measure is designed to strike a balance between economic opportunity and urban order, ensuring vendors can still operate within lawful parameters.

These developments signal a more structured and strategic approach to managing informal trading in Accra, combining enforcement, innovation, and stakeholder engagement to build a cleaner, more organised city.

As the task force prepares to implement its 24-hour monitoring regime, residents and traders alike are being urged to comply with the new rules to avoid penalties and contribute to a more liveable Accra.

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