A confrontation broke out between police officers and a trader at Circle, Accra, on Wednesday, May 21, after the trader reportedly attempted to resist eviction during the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s (AMA) ongoing decongestion exercise.
The incident occurred as AMA’s taskforce, supported by police personnel, continued operations to clear unauthorized structures, street vendors, and other obstructions in the bustling Neoplan Station area—a known hotspot for congestion and illegal trading.
Eyewitnesses say tensions escalated when the trader refused to vacate a spot identified as unauthorized, leading to a scuffle with security personnel.
The situation was quickly brought under control, but it underscores the challenges facing authorities in their efforts to restore order in the capital.
Watch the video below:
LIVE | Police arrest man for attempting to resist eviction at Nkrumah Circle. pic.twitter.com/RrVsSddEE3
— ThisIsNeneOdompleh (@The1957News) May 21, 2025
Background to the operation
The decongestion campaign began on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, and is being conducted in collaboration with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA). It aims to reduce urban congestion, enforce city by-laws, and improve sanitation in key parts of Accra.
On the first day, the taskforce focused on areas around the AMA Head Office—covering Kinbu Road to Railways, ECG Junction to the King Tackie Tawiah Statue, and Opera Square to Adabraka. These locations are known for heavy street vending and pedestrian obstruction.
Speaking after the launch of the exercise, the Mayor of Accra, Michael Allotey, stressed that the initiative would not be a one-off event.
“This exercise is not a nine-day wonder; we will be on the streets until we ensure that the roads are clear,” he stated.
He also announced that seized items from the Central Business District would no longer be auctioned, but donated to the Ghana Prisons Service.
“I will pack all these things for the prison when I come tomorrow. Today is your lucky day,” the Mayor said in a firm warning to non-compliant traders.
Authorities continue to urge traders and the general public to cooperate with the taskforce as the AMA pushes to make Accra cleaner, safer, and more accessible.
