Ayawaso Central Cracks Down on Street Hawkers, Warns of Arrests and Confiscation

The Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly has issued a stern warning to street hawkers, traders, commercial drivers and cyclists operating along major roads within the municipality, ordering them to vacate the streets or face a massive enforcement exercise.

The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Rudolph Collingwoode-Williams, together with the municipal task force, embarked on an inspection and enforcement exercise around the Kwame Nkrumah Circle area, urging traders and hawkers occupying parts of the roads to relocate to allow the free movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

During the operation, officials advised those conducting business on the streets to leave voluntarily, stressing that the assembly is determined to restore order and improve traffic flow.
The MCE further warned that a major decongestion exercise will soon begin, adding that defaulters risk arrest while goods displayed on unauthorized spaces will be confiscated, with offenders likely to face heavy fines as a deterrent.

Some hawkers who spoke during the exercise admitted that selling on roadsides is illegal and dangerous but explained that they resort to the practice because of the lack of adequate trading spaces.
They appealed to the assembly to provide alternative locations for their businesses, saying they have limited options for earning a living.
Despite their concerns, the traders acknowledged the need to comply with the law and pledged to adjust their activities to avoid future confrontations with the authorities.

By Maurice Otoo