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Hawkers capture Circle overhead bridge

By Naa Betty Nelson - Ghanaian Chronicle
Tue, 02 Dec 2008 | Print | E-Mail | PDF | Graphics Version
Regional News

Despite uncountable repeated warnings by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) on the selling of items at certain places in the city of Accra, some sellers have taken their activities a step further, and are now doing business on the newly-built pedestrian over-pass at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra.

It was observed by the Accra File that these hawkers have taken over the bridge, which was constructed mainly for pedestrians to use in crossing the road.

Most of these traders have left their places at the shopping mall, and have converted the new overpass into a trading place.

Due to the congestion and nuisance they cause to pedestrians using the over-pass, it has also created the opportunity for pickpockets and thieves, who prey on innocent users of the bridge.

These traders display their wares on the floor of the bridge and are also seated nearby, thereby taking up space meant for users of the bridge, making it very uncomfortable for pedestrians.

When The File took time to inquires from these traders on why they choose to do business there, some said that business in the mall was not good, because people do not frequent the place, so they have to carry their business to the people, by trading where it is easy for workers to buy their wares, without having to go out of their way.

Some also said because Christmas was on near, they have to do more business to earn some extra money to enjoy the yuletide.

Others also said most traders in the mall sell similar products, thereby making sales very difficult due to the competition, so they choose to sell on the over-pass, where trading is a lot better.

A lady, who sells ladies tops on the bridge, said she thinks it was good for her, because most young ladies often use the bridge, and she finds it easy getting and convincing them to buy her items.

The situation is getting worse, because more of these hawkers are taking control of the bridge, and are making things very bad for users, especially girls, women and children, who are also harassed by delinquent young men.

In an interview with some pedestrians at circle, who often use the bridge, they mentioned that the AMA was aware of the situation, and would not like to act now, because of the pending elections.

They believe that should act and drive these hawkers away, it would go against the ruling government politically, thereby attracting executive interference, which has happened before. “They think when they drive them away, they will not vote for the NPP,” they pointed out. But, if that is the case, then the AMA should do something about these hawkers, because they are meant to enforce the metropolitan assembly's bye-laws and regulations, irrespective of the situation, whether political or…



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