The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo, has announced a comprehensive set of measures aimed at ensuring smooth vehicular and pedestrian movement across the region during the 2025 festive season.

Addressing the media and key regional stakeholders at the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council on Thursday, December 4, 2025, the Minister said the directives were necessary to manage the anticipated surge in human and vehicular activity.

The Regional Minister, who also chairs the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), noted that Christmas and New Year celebrations typically come with heavy traffic congestion that demands heightened coordination among security agencies, local assemblies and the public.

To address these challenges, Ocloo revealed that the Accra and Tema Regional Police Commands, together with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, have been instructed to roll out intensified patrols and enforce traffic regulations more strictly.

Additional MTTD personnel will be deployed to well-known congestion hotspots including major intersections, market centres, malls, restaurants, entertainment hubs, clubs and pubs.

In a bid to further ease road blockages, the Minister announced that all abandoned vehicles left along principal streets will be immediately towed to the nearest police station. Owners of such vehicles will be fined GH¢2,000. She stressed that the move is essential for ensuring unobstructed mobility for both motorists and pedestrians throughout the festive period.

The Minister appealed to commercial drivers, traders, event organizers, restaurant and club operators to cooperate fully by refraining from indiscriminate parking, unauthorized street trading and activities that block pavements or roadways. She added that MMDAs have been tasked to intensify the cleaning of public spaces, especially during peak periods, to maintain a sanitary environment that matches the festive mood.

Touching on sanitation, the Minister disclosed that following directives from President John Dramani Mahama, all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) must ensure the desilting of choked drains, clearing of bushy road medians and general environmental improvements within their jurisdictions. Failure to comply, she warned, will attract sanctions.

Ocloo also urged residents to heighten their personal security awareness during the festive season. She encouraged the public to promptly report suspicious behaviour or unusual activities to security officers or the nearest police station, assuring that such reports will receive urgent attention.

According to the Minister, the goal of the directives is not to impose inconvenience on the public but to safeguard lives, protect livelihoods and promote a conducive environment for socio-economic activities during one of the busiest times of the year. With collective cooperation, she believes the region can experience a “safer and more enjoyable” festive celebration.

She concluded by wishing the people of Greater Accra a joyful Christmas and peaceful festive period, expressing hope that residents will celebrate responsibly while supporting efforts to maintain order throughout the season.