The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) began a significant decongestion effort on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, focusing on unlicensed merchants and buildings that were taking up pavements and roadside spaces in the Central Business District.

Supported by the Ghana Police Service, the operation provoked strong public outrage, especially among Tudu and Makola market vendors.


Tudu shopkeepers responded angrily and frustratedly to the move, while several Makola market women praised the Accra Mayor in a widely shared video on X.
During the exercise, the traders complained that they had lost their only source of income after their items were seized.

A dealer bemoaned, "Nana Addo did not fire us in eight years." In order to provide for our kids, we were selling by the side of the road. Five months after we voted for you, you are kicking us off the sidewalk.


The AMA claims that the AMA Head Office, Kinbu Road to Railways, ECG Junction to King Tackie Tawiah Statue, and Opera Square to Adabraka are all included in the first phase of the decongestion effort.

Enforcing city rules, easing traffic, and ensuring pedestrian safety are the objectives of the two-week operation.
Some Ghanaians backed the AMA's efforts in spite of the harsh criticism from Tudu traders. Some internet users questioned the trend of politicizing public issues and contended that pavements shouldn't be used for peddling.

One commenter commented, "The AMA boss is doing the right thing," highlighting the importance of safety and order.


The dispute has brought attention to a more serious issue that urban authorities must deal with: striking a balance between enforcement and regulation and the financial realities of black market business.

The impacted shopkeepers continue to call for alternate solutions that protect their livelihoods, even as the AMA focuses on reestablishing law and order in public areas.
City officials must carefully manage these conflicts as the exercise goes on to prevent escalating public resentment and uphold their dedication to a safer, cleaner city.

The divergent responses from various public segments underscore the necessity of inclusive urban planning and stakeholder communication.