The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has conducted a working visit to various security agencies within the metropolis to garner operational support for a significant decongestion initiative set to commence on February 1, 2026.
The agencies included in this tour comprised the Ministries, Accra Central, Railways, Jamestown, Korle Bu, Mamprobi, and Kaneshie security commands, in addition to the 31st Makola Metro Fire Station and the North Industrial Area (STC) Fire Station.
After the engagements, the Mayor addressed the media, praising the agencies for what he termed as effective policing during the festive season, highlighting that the visible security presence throughout the city contributed to public tranquility.
He noted that the Accra Metropolitan Assembly operated continuously for 24 hours during this period and expressed gratitude on behalf of the President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, for the efforts made by officers and commanders.
The Mayor assured the agencies of his dedication to addressing the concerns raised, indicating his intention to collaborate with relevant units of the Assembly and stakeholders to resolve issues that impede effective policing and emergency response.
Regarding the upcoming decongestion initiative, Hon. Allotey stated that the operation would signify a transition from persuasion to strict enforcement, emphasizing that the Assembly would fully implement the law during this exercise.
The Mayor indicated that the forthcoming operation is part of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s larger strategy to restore order in the Central Business District and other areas prone to congestion, enhance pedestrian safety, improve traffic flow, and support sanitation enforcement throughout the city.
He elaborated that the February initiative would necessitate coordinated, intelligence-led, and professional support from the security services to ensure that enforcement is both firm and orderly, executed with restraint and respect for the public.
He stated that the decongestion initiative would address the increasing congestion in markets and along major thoroughfares, where trading and hawking have overflowed onto streets and obstructed pedestrian pathways, thereby posing safety hazards.
He mentioned that the Assembly would implement the city’s “red line” policy and cautioned that individuals who contravene the directive would be subject to prosecution at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly Sanitation Court.
Hon. Allotey also emphasized the importance of engagement and coordination prior to the operation, highlighting that collaboration with security services was essential to ensure the operation is conducted effectively and professionally.
The Mayor further noted that the Assembly would persist in stakeholder engagements and operational planning with pertinent departments and partner organizations to guarantee that the exercise meets its goals and is maintained beyond the initial enforcement phase.
Mayor Allotey urged the security agencies to collaborate with the Assembly for what he referred to as the “largest decongestion exercise” in the metropolis, stressing that enforcement would be strict and that offenders who deliberately violate the law would face penalties.
Leaders of the security agencies who visited expressed their commitment to supporting the exercise and assured the Mayor of their preparedness to work alongside the Assembly to ensure orderly enforcement and public safety throughout the operation.
