The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has led a team of officials from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to remove unauthorised structures along the Korle Bu stretch, following his earlier directive for traders to relocate to the designated Korle Bu New Lorry Station Market.

The operation, which began from the Mamprobi Plaza through to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, on the Guggisberg Avenue, formed part of the Assembly’s ongoing efforts to decongest the area and ensure that trading activities are conducted in a safe and orderly manner.

The exercise saw the removal of unauthorised structures, including canopies, wooden and metal sheds, shipping containers, kiosks, and tables, as well as illegal signage and banners that had been mounted along road shoulders and pedestrian walkways.

Speaking during the operation, Hon. Allotey reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to restoring order and ensuring that business activities are carried out within approved trading zones.

He noted that the exercise followed several engagements with traders, adding that the number of unauthorised structures had been increasing daily, prompting the AMA to act swiftly before the situation worsened.

“Ghanaians voted for the NDC to reset the country, and that is why His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama appointed me to reset the city of Accra,” the Mayor stated.

He cautioned traders against paying money to any Assembly official or individual in exchange for permission to erect unauthorised structures, warning that such structures would be removed immediately.

Hon. Allotey urged residents and traders to support the Assembly’s efforts to bring sanity to the metropolis and warned individuals using the Assembly’s name to extort money from traders and ratepayers to desist or face prosecution.

He explained that all affected traders would be relocated to the Korle Bu New Lorry Station Market, which has available sheds and adequate space for trading.

 “The relocation is not to deprive anyone of their livelihood. It is to ensure your safety and maintain order. The President has instructed that all trading activities be conducted in proper and secure environments, and the Korle Bu Market was built for that purpose,” he said.

The Mayor emphasised that the Assembly would not tolerate any form of encroachment on public spaces and urged traders to comply with the relocation directive to avoid future removals.

The exercise was also used to remove unauthorised signage, banners, as well as reconcile bills, including Business Operating Permits, Rents and Property Rates.