The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has launched an enforcement drive to clear illegal structures encroaching on major roads, walkways and state-owned lands within the city.

The exercise, spearheaded by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, targeted several locations including the Awudome Cemetery area, Awudome Roundabout, the frontage of Royal House Chapel, North Kaneshie Last Stop and the Tuesday Market. Temporary and unauthorised installations occupying public spaces at these sites were dismantled.

At the Tuesday Market, the Mayor monitored the removal of accumulated waste and the clearing of blocked drains as part of ongoing efforts to improve sanitation and traffic flow. He directed that all privately constructed structures within the market be taken down to allow for redevelopment, adding that a large-scale clean-up would be carried out there during the next National Sanitation Day.

Mr Allotey also visited a facility suspected to be an AMA warehouse and instructed those in charge to report to the Assembly to provide clarification regarding its operation and purpose.

Along the Awudome Cemetery corridor and the frontage of Royal House Chapel, individuals involved in activities such as food vending, vehicle air-conditioning repairs, vulcanising and spare parts trading were removed and warned against reoccupying the space.

At the Awudome Roundabout, the task force cleared makeshift structures, displaced scrap dealers and removed unauthorised billboards, banners and canopies mounted along the road reserve. The operation later extended to North Kaneshie Last Stop, where the Mayor ordered a fitting shop operating beneath an ECG high-tension pole to relocate by Friday. He cautioned that vehicles left in the area after the deadline would be impounded.

Addressing the media, the Mayor stressed that the Assembly would continue the exercise to restore road shoulders, pedestrian paths and public lands. He explained that illegal occupation of such areas worsens sanitation conditions and endangers public safety.

He said the current operation forms part of preparatory actions ahead of a major decongestion exercise scheduled for February 1, warning that offenders who return to cleared zones would be prosecuted. The Mayor assured residents that while stakeholder engagement would continue, the AMA remains committed to enforcing regulations to ensure Accra remains clean, orderly and safe.