Decongestion: Accra Mayor revives red line policy to bring order to city streets

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has revived its “Red Line Policy” to regulate street trading along key pavements in the capital, with the goal of restoring order, safeguarding pedestrians, and improving sanitation.

On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey personally led a city team to repaint red demarcation lines on selected pavements, marking the official relaunch of the initiative.

In an address to traders and journalists, Mr. Allotey emphasized that the policy is designed not as a punitive measure but to create a safer and more organized urban space for all residents.

“The red line policy is not to punish traders, but to create a more organised and safer city for everyone,” he said. “It is also part of our contribution to the government’s 24-hour economy agenda.”

The updated enforcement plan, which commenced a day earlier, will be rolled out in phases and supported by several complementary actions. These include a rotational trading system to allow vendors to work longer hours on designated days, and the hiring of local youth to strengthen the AMA’s enforcement task force.

Mayor Allotey called on traders to respect the red line demarcations and collaborate with city authorities to ensure the success of the initiative. He stressed that maintaining clean and accessible pavements is essential to a thriving, inclusive, and modern city.