Just days after the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), led by Mayor Kpakpo Allotey, embarked on a decongestion exercise to rid key streets in the central business district of hawkers and traders, the area has returned to its previous chaotic state.

A visit to the city center on Saturday, May 24, revealed that the streets recently cleared — spanning from the AMA head office to the Ghana School of Law and the Makola Fire Station — have once again been taken over by traders. The visible absence of AMA task force officers has further emboldened the return of these vendors.

Initially, the operation was met with widespread compliance, earning praise from motorists and commuters alike. Traffic flow improved dramatically in major commercial areas such as Rawlings Park, Tudu, and adjoining roads, leading to shorter travel times and less congestion.

“The traffic situation on Thursday was amazing,” a frustrated driver told our news team. “If I knew the traders had returned, I wouldn’t have used this road today. The assembly must not make this exercise a one-day wonder.”

Another motorist expressed disappointment over what he described as weekend lawlessness, stating, “It seems laws don’t work on weekends in Ghana.” He urged the government to ensure consistent enforcement if the decongestion is to have any lasting impact.

Similar scenes were observed at other major commercial hotspots, including Timbu, Kaneshie, and Nkrumah Circle, where vendors appeared to be operating freely, with little to no interference from city authorities.

The swift return of traders has cast doubt on the sustainability and seriousness of the AMA’s decongestion initiative. Without sustained monitoring and enforcement, many fear that the effort may end up as yet another failed attempt to bring order to the capital’s busiest areas.

As residents and road users call for a consistent, long-term strategy, the question remains: Was this the end of the decongestion exercise — or will the AMA return with renewed commitment and resolve?