Police faces trader in a ‘Rambo style’ during AMA decongestion exercise at Circle

There was some commotion at Circle, Accra, on Wednesday, May 21, when a trader clashed with police officers during a decongestion exercise by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).

The incident happened at the Neoplan Station area—a place well-known for its heavy congestion and busy trading activities. According to eyewitnesses, the drama started when the trader refused to leave a spot marked as unauthorized by the AMA. This led to a heated argument and a short scuffle with the police and task force officials.

Thankfully, the situation was quickly brought under control.

This is all part of AMA’s larger plan to clear the streets of illegal structures, hawkers, and obstacles, to make Accra cleaner and safer. Speaking about the operation, Accra Mayor Michael Allotey warned that this is just the beginning.

AMA

The AMA is calling on all traders and residents to cooperate with the ongoing exercise, as they work to restore order and ensure free movement in the city.

Accra’s Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, popularly known as “Circle,” has long been the chaotic epicenter of commerce, transportation, and urban sprawl in the capital. With its complex web of traders, commuters, hawkers, and traffic, Circle represents both the vibrant spirit and the overwhelming disorder of Ghana’s bustling capital. In an effort to restore order and reclaim public space, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) recently launched a major decongestion exercise targeting illegal structures, street vending, and traffic obstructions.

The AMA’s decongestion initiative is neither the first nor the last in the city’s long battle against urban disorder, but this particular effort stands out for its intensity, controversy, and implications on livelihoods and urban planning.

The Motive Behind the Exercise

According to the AMA, the goal of the decongestion exercise is simple but ambitious: restore sanity to Accra’s streets and ensure pedestrian safety, free movement of traffic, and adherence to city planning regulations.

For months, Circle has been overwhelmed by unregulated vending activities, street hawking, and unauthorized structures. Footbridges meant for pedestrian safety had become marketplaces. Walkways were overtaken by traders. Motorists battled street congestion, while pedestrians were forced to walk on the roads, risking accidents.

AMA officials, backed by a task force of police and city guards, say this situation had reached critical levels.

“We can no longer allow our city to be held hostage by disorder. Circle is a central point in Accra, and it must reflect the image of a modern city,” said Elizabeth Kwatsoe Sackey, Mayor of Accra.

What the Exercise Entails

The decongestion began with prior warnings issued to traders, hawkers, and operators of unauthorized structures to vacate the area. This was followed by visits from the AMA task force, who marked illegal stalls, kiosks, and containers for demolition. On the D-day, bulldozers, city guards, and police officers stormed Circle at dawn, dismantling structures and clearing traders from pavements, walkways, and under-bridges.

Structures beneath the flyovers—often used as makeshift shops or even homes—were razed. The area surrounding the Neoplan Station, Tudu, and the intersections leading to Kaneshie and Achimota were also cleared. AMA workers, clad in orange vests, worked in tandem with the police to enforce the orders.

Mixed Reactions from the Public

Unsurprisingly, the exercise has drawn mixed reactions. For many pedestrians and commuters, the decongestion came as a relief. “It was getting out of hand. You couldn’t even walk on the pavements anymore. I’m glad they did something,” said Gifty Mensah, a civil servant who commutes daily through Circle.

Drivers also welcomed the exercise. “You spend almost an hour trying to navigate 5 minutes because of hawkers and traders blocking the road,” said Kwame Ofori, a taxi driver.

However, for the traders affected, the exercise felt like a devastating blow to their livelihoods.

“Where do they expect us to go? This is where I make my daily bread. They didn’t give us any alternative,” cried Adwoa Serwaa, a plantain seller who had operated under the flyover for six years.

Others accused the AMA of acting with heavy-handedness. “They came without mercy.

Legal and Policy Backing

The AMA insists that the exercise was not a knee-jerk reaction. It was grounded in local government bylaws and the Accra City Spatial Development Framework (2015-2035), which outlines strategies for urban development and decongestion. AMA officials argue that unauthorized trading and construction not only breach city planning laws but also contribute to sanitation problems, public safety hazards, and traffic congestion.

“Street vending is not illegal per se,” said AMA PRO Gilbert Nii Ankrah. “But it must be done within designated areas. When traders take over pedestrian paths, footbridges, and traffic intersections, it becomes a public safety concern.”

The Assembly also said it would intensify public education campaigns and provide more enforcement to sustain the gains made.

The Human Cost

Behind every demolished kiosk and carted container is a story. A mother feeding her children. A student paying for tuition through hawking. A breadwinner trying to survive in a challenging economy. Critics argue that while law and order are necessary, the AMA should balance enforcement with compassion.

Several civil society organizations and urban planning experts have called for a more inclusive approach.

“Urban management is not just about clearing people. It must include resettlement plans, market alternatives, and support systems,” said Dr. Aba Bentil Andam, an urban development researcher.

Indeed, many traders say they would willingly relocate if given proper markets with affordable rent. Others blame the high cost of renting stalls in formal markets for their presence on the streets.

The Bigger Picture

The Circle decongestion exercise is part of a larger AMA campaign to transform Accra into a modern, clean, and organized city—one that can compete globally and function efficiently. Similar exercises have taken place in Makola, Agbogbloshie, and the Central Business District.

But the big question remains: Will it be sustainable?

Previous decongestion exercises in Accra have failed to achieve lasting results. Traders often return weeks later, and enforcement fizzles out over time due to political interference, inadequate planning, and public resistance.

To prevent this, experts say the AMA must adopt a multi-pronged approach: invest in alternative markets, improve public transportation, enforce land use laws consistently, and engage local stakeholders throughout the process.

Looking Ahead

For now, the pavements at Circle are clear. Footbridges are walkable. The roads flow more freely. But the true test will come in the months ahead. Will the AMA maintain the momentum? Will new structures spring up in the same places?

The answers to these questions will determine whether this decongestion marks a new era for Accra or remains just another chapter in the city’s ongoing struggle with urban order.

As Accra continues to grow, so too does the need for sustainable urban planning that balances development with the realities of everyday Ghanaians. The AMA’s actions at Circle may be a bold step, but it is only the beginning of a long journey toward reclaiming the capital from the jaws of chaos.

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