Street Trading Crackdown: Pavement Traders in Accra to Face GH₵2,000 Fine – Regional Minister Warns

Traders conducting business on pavements and along streets in Accra’s Central Business District (CBD) could soon face fines of up to GH₵2,000, according to a stern warning issued by Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo.

The announcement comes in the wake of a city-wide decongestion operation carried out on Tuesday, May 20, by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) in collaboration with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly. The exercise targeted unauthorised traders obstructing pedestrian walkways and public roads in a bid to improve traffic flow, sanitation, and urban order.

While touring the CBD during the enforcement exercise, Minister Ocloo made it clear that the days of leniency are over.

“We’re deploying a 24-hour task force to enforce the rules,” she said. “Red lines will be marked on the roads, and any trader who crosses them will be fined between GH₵1,500 and GH₵2,000. Market leaders will also be appointed to support monitoring and ensure compliance.”

The move is part of a broader strategy to enforce city bylaws and maintain order as Accra grapples with increasing congestion.

In a related development, the AMA’s Metropolitan Chief Executive, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, revealed that the city is considering plans to periodically close selected streets within the CBD to accommodate traders—under specific conditions.

“Under the government’s 24-hour economy initiative, we are exploring designated days where some streets will be blocked off to allow market women to trade legally,” he explained. “During these times, drivers will be rerouted, and the AMA will issue trading permits to the vendors.”

Allotey emphasized that the aim is to balance economic activity with the need for urban order, allowing trading to continue in a structured and lawful way without compromising the city’s functionality.