The Mayor of Cape Coast, Hon. George Justice Arthur, has announced a massive decongestion exercise at major market centres in the metropolis to improve safety, accessibility, and sanitation.
The initiative comes in response to growing concerns about overcrowding, particularly at the Kotokuraba and Abura markets, where traders have taken over walkways and road paths. According to the Metropolitan Assembly, such practices not only obstruct movement but also heighten the risk of disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding.
Speaking after a two-day cleanup exercise organized by the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly (CCMA), Hon. Arthur stressed the need for discipline among traders.
“We cannot continue to allow people to trade on walkways and road shoulders. It endangers lives and worsens sanitation challenges. This decongestion exercise is to restore order and protect the public,” he stated.
The Mayor disclosed that the Assembly has already engaged traders at Abura Market and others trading along pavements, directing them to move to designated trading areas. The exercise, which begins next week, will be carried out with the support of security agencies and CCMA officers to ensure compliance.
He further raised concerns about the high cost of waste management in the metropolis, explaining that “Every year, the Assembly spends huge sums of money on waste management. If residents change their attitude towards cleanliness, these resources could be redirected to other critical development projects.”
Joining the cleanup exercise, the Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Panyin Eduamoah Okyere, also appealed to residents to adopt a positive mindset towards waste disposal.
“We must change our attitude towards waste. The government is spending too much on waste management money that could be used to build roads and other infrastructure,” he said.
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