Accra: Mr. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, Chief Executive Officer of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), has affirmed that the ongoing decongestion exercise in Accra will be a sustained campaign, not a 'nine-day wonder.' He assured the public that the Assembly is fully committed to a long-term strategy aimed at keeping the city's streets clear and orderly. Addressing the media alongside Mr. Alfred Ato Allotey-Gaisie, Municipal Chief Executive of the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA), Mr. Allotey reaffirmed their joint commitment to restoring sanity and order in the Central Business District. He noted that the AMA task force, city guards, and the police will continue to support the effort.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Allotey emphasized that the long-term benefits-reduced traffic, improved sanitation, and increased safety-far outweighed the short-term inconveniences. The decongestion team has cleared areas including Accra Technical University, Tudu, Kinbu Senior High School, Makola, Rawlings Park, China Lane, Kantamanto, Ghana School of Law, and surrounding areas. Mr. Allotey-Gaisie assured road users that the exercise would continue until the end of the year to prevent streets from being overtaken by traders. He explained that repeated visits were necessary to fully clear certain areas and mentioned plans to relocate traders to suitable spaces.

Public reactions have been mixed, with some residents applauding AMA's bold steps, while affected traders voiced frustration over the lack of affordable trading spaces. A shopper, Theresa Ama Dokua, expressed her satisfaction with the changes, while trader Maame Patricia Ahoufe appealed for understanding from the authorities. She acknowledged that trading activities disrupted movement but urged the mayor to consider the traders' plight. Miss Regina Mordy, a banker, commented on the improved conditions, noting the ease of walking through the business streets.

The decongestion exercise targets illegal structures, street hawkers, and unauthorized trading activities that obstruct pedestrian walkways and vehicular movement.