The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced plans to close selected roads within the capital’s Central Business District (CBD) in December 2026 to create additional trading spaces for vendors ahead of the Christmas festivities.
The initiative is expected to provide opportunities for traders who do not have permanent shops to display and sell their goods during one of the busiest commercial periods of the year.
Accra Mayor Michael Nii Kpakpo Allotey disclosed the arrangement during the November edition of the National Sanitation Exercise, where he interacted with traders and discussed measures to support commercial activities during the festive season. Editorial Ethics & Independence
According to the Mayor, the decision follows a directive from the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, to make selected portions of the CBD available for temporary trading activities.
He explained that the arrangement is intended to help traders without established shops benefit from increased consumer demand during the Christmas period while providing them with designated areas to conduct their businesses.
Mr Allotey specifically identified the stretch from the Cocoa Board area to Kantamanto as part of the roads that will be closed to vehicular traffic to accommodate traders.
He encouraged vendors to take advantage of the opportunity to increase their sales and improve their earnings during the festive season.
The Mayor expressed optimism that the temporary arrangement would allow more traders to participate in December’s commercial activities, particularly those who may otherwise struggle to secure suitable spaces in the busy commercial district.
Christmas traditionally represents an important period for businesses and traders across Ghana. Consumer spending generally increases as households purchase food, clothing, decorations, gifts and other essential items in preparation for the celebrations.
Markets and commercial centres in Accra often experience significant increases in customer numbers during this period, attracting shoppers from different parts of the capital and beyond.
Areas such as Kantamanto, which is widely known for its second-hand clothing trade, are particularly important to small-scale traders and customers looking for affordable merchandise.
The planned road closures are therefore expected to create additional opportunities for vendors seeking to benefit from the increased commercial activity.
For many informal traders, securing a suitable location in Accra’s busy markets can be difficult because of limited space, competition and the cost of obtaining permanent shops.
The AMA’s decision could provide temporary relief by making additional trading areas available during the festive period. It may also allow smaller businesses to reach more customers without necessarily having to secure long-term commercial premises. Corrections Policy
However, the arrangement is likely to require careful coordination to prevent the temporary trading activities from creating unnecessary difficulties for commuters, motorists, pedestrians and businesses operating within the CBD.
Road closures in major commercial areas can affect traffic movement, particularly during December when shopping activities, deliveries and public transportation demand increase considerably.
The AMA will therefore need to ensure that the implementation of the arrangement is properly communicated to the public and that appropriate measures are introduced to manage pedestrian movement and access to surrounding businesses.
Motorists travelling through the affected areas will also need to pay attention to official announcements regarding the closures and any traffic management arrangements introduced by the relevant authorities.
Although the Mayor identified the Cocoa Board-to-Kantamanto stretch, further operational details, including the specific commencement and ending dates of the closures, alternative traffic routes and the full list of affected roads, were not provided in the announcement.
Meanwhile, Mr Allotey has issued a separate directive targeting traders operating at designated bus stops across the metropolis.
He instructed such traders to vacate the spaces before Monday to allow commercial vehicles to use the designated stopping points and ensure the smooth movement of pedestrians.
The directive forms part of the Assembly’s broader efforts to address congestion and improve the management of public spaces within Accra.
The occupation of bus stops by hawkers has been a longstanding concern for commercial drivers and commuters. When traders occupy these spaces, drivers often struggle to stop at designated locations, forcing passengers to board and alight from vehicles at unsafe points.
Such practices can contribute to traffic congestion and increase the risk of accidents, particularly along busy roads where pedestrian and vehicular movements frequently overlap.
The AMA has consequently intensified efforts to remove unauthorised trading activities from restricted public spaces and restore order within the metropolis.
The Assembly has previously warned traders against occupying unauthorised locations, stressing that public spaces designated for transportation and pedestrian movement must remain accessible.
The two measures highlight the challenge facing city authorities as they attempt to balance the economic needs of informal traders with the responsibility of maintaining an orderly urban environment.
While the December road closures are intended to provide commercial opportunities, the separate restrictions on trading at bus stops demonstrate that the temporary arrangements should not be interpreted as permission to occupy every available roadside space. Editorial Standards
Traders are therefore expected to operate within the areas designated by the Assembly and comply with the applicable regulations.
The AMA’s decision comes at a time when businesses across Accra are preparing for the Christmas shopping season, which traditionally provides an important opportunity for small-scale entrepreneurs to increase their earnings.
For traders without permanent shops, the temporary trading arrangement could offer a valuable opportunity to attract customers and improve their businesses before the end of the year.
However, its success will depend on effective planning, clear communication and cooperation among traders, transport operators, security personnel and city authorities. Newscard
As December approaches, residents and motorists are encouraged to follow official AMA announcements for further information about the implementation of the road closures.
The Assembly’s challenge will be to ensure that the initiative delivers the intended economic benefits without significantly disrupting transportation, public safety and the daily activities of people who depend on Accra’s commercial district.