GAWU, traders ask AMA to enforce by-laws

The General Agricultural Workers’ Union (GAWU), in collaboration with Novotel Market Traders’ Association has intensified their advocacy to compel the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to enforce its by-laws.

They also expressed dismay at the refusal of the AMA to eject traders who have abandoned their sheds in the market to occupy a car park.

Addressing a stakeholders' meeting in Accra, sponsored by Business Sector Advocacy Challenge Fund, Ms Suzzie Lamptey of GAWU said the situation had led to congestion at the occupied car park.

“Naturally, this is causing a lot of inconvenience to both human and vehicular traffic making it difficult for customers to park their cars,” Miss Lamptey stated.

Ms Bernice Otoo, President of the Association said most traders took loans from banks to operate their businesses and would be unpleasant for them not to attract good returns.

She said although the AMA said it was removing all squatters, people continued to occupy the unauthorised places, leaving their sheds in the market.

Ms Otoo said there was the need for the advocacy to compel the AMA to enforce its by-laws to the letter.

She urged the AMA to fulfil its promise of using the spaces around the area for a Police Station and bank offices and to make the Odawna market attractive for traders.

“We hope that other stakeholders in the agricultural sector will see and listen to our plight and help us,” she stated.

Mr Ben Armah, a Director of the AMA said: “We recognise that our enforcement of the by-laws will cause some inconveniences to some traders, but for the good of all, this is a task that must be undertaken at all cost.

“The AMA vision for Accra is a cleaner, healthier, safer and more congenial place where residents and visitors will stay and do their businesses with minimum stress and strain,” he said.

He gave the assurance that whatever the case maybe, the squatters would be ejected from the car park, to pave the way for trucks and cars to ply their trade.

Ms Mercy Nee Djan, President of the Greater Accra Market Association, advised the women not to do politics with their businesses.