Accra Decongestion: Seized Goods to Be Donated to Prisons Service – AMA Boss Confirms

Accra, Ghana – May 20, 2025

As part of ongoing efforts to restore order to the Central Business District (CBD), the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced that goods confiscated during its decongestion exercise will be donated to the Ghana Prisons Service.

The Mayor of Accra, Elizabeth K.T. Sackey, made this known during a media briefing on Tuesday, May 20, as AMA officers and city taskforces began a major operation to clear unauthorized street vendors and hawkers from key city streets and walkways.

Supporting National Institutions Through Order

According to Mayor Sackey, the initiative is not only intended to improve urban management but also to support vulnerable institutions like the Ghana Prisons Service. “Instead of letting the seized goods rot or go to waste, we are channeling them to the Prisons Service, which constantly needs supplies,” she stated.

The decongestion drive is a joint effort involving the AMA and the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA), with the backing of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council. It targets illegal trading hotspots such as Makola, Kantamanto, and the Tudu area, which have seen repeated congestion due to the activities of street traders.

Traders Warned Ahead of Exercise

Prior to the exercise, the AMA issued multiple warnings and public notices to traders, urging them to vacate the pavements and authorized selling areas. Some traders, however, failed to comply, leading to the confiscation of their wares.

The Mayor emphasized that this is not a punitive exercise but a strategic move to enhance sanitation, security, and free movement within the city. “We want to bring dignity back to Accra. Street trading is not banned, but it must be regulated,” she noted.

A Step Toward Regulated Street Vending

In addition to the decongestion, the AMA has indicated plans to roll out a regulated system for street vending in the near future. The Greater Accra Minister, Linda Ocloo, earlier announced a GH₵2,000 fine for repeat offenders and hinted at designated vending zones to formalize the practice while maintaining order.

As the operation continues, city authorities are appealing to the public for cooperation and support in making Accra a cleaner and more organized capital.

Tags: Accra, decongestion, Ghana, AMA, street vending, prisons service, sanitation, urban planning, city management, Greater Accra