AMA Cleanup Operation Leaves Accra Traders in Despair

Accra Traders Displaced in AMA Cleanup Operation Accra, Ghana – May 22, 2025 – The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) launched a cleanup operation yesterday, displacing numerous street traders near a major bus stop. The operation, aimed at restoring order and improving the area's aesthetics, resulted in the removal of goods and temporary stalls. "They just came and took everything," said one distraught trader, her voice trembling. "Where are we supposed to go now? We have families to feed." The AMA, however, defended its actions, citing safety and sanitation concerns. An official stated, "This was a necessary step to address long-standing issues of overcrowding and unsanitary conditions. We offered prior notice and will work to find solutions for the affected traders." The incident highlights the ongoing tension between urban development and the livelihoods of informal traders in Accra. The AMA has promised further dialogue and potential relocation plans for the affected individuals.