The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced that it has agreed to allocate some space on the streets of Accra to hawkers.
A statement by the Assembly said it has after a meeting with various hawker-groups in the metropolis, agreed to give them space on some major streets to sell.
According to a statement signed by the AMA’s Public Relations Officer, Numo Blafo, the agreement, dubbed the “redline policy” was first developed last year but could not be immediately implemented.
“It is the hope of the AMA that the hawkers will comport themselves during this period, and to report any grievance to the Assembly for an amicable resolution,” the statement said.
The Assembly said although it will permit hawking within the metropolis, indiscriminate activities will be dealt with in line with its bye laws.
The decision by the AMA seem to be contrary to what many expected of the Assembly since the hawkers have been partly blamed for causing human and vehicular traffic congestion and littering within the city.
In some parts of the metropolis, hawkers have taken over pavements and extended their activities to the shoulders of the road, making it difficult for commuters and drivers to move with ease.
It is unclear yet how the AMA would address the issue of congestion and poor sanitation having agreed with the hawkers to allow them carry out their activities without interference in some areas.
I won’t use ‘crude tactics’ to deal with hawkers – Accra MCE
The newly appointed Metropolitan Chief Executive for the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Mohammed Adjei Sowah, had indicated upon his appointment that when approved, his tenure will not see his outfit resort to the use of ‘crude tactics’ to deal with hawkers.
The previous AMA boss, Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, was noted for his forceful approach to dealing with hawkers and other activities such as “okada” operations, and traffic offenses.
Join GhanaStar.com to receive daily email alerts of breaking news in Ghana. GhanaStar.com is your source for all Ghana News. Get the latest Ghana news, breaking news, sports, politics, entertainment and more about Ghana, Africa and beyond.
