The Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly (CCMA) has carried out a massive decongestion exercise at the Kotokuraba and Abura markets to restore order and enhance public safety.
The operation, which began early Thursday morning, saw the clearing of unauthorized structures and trading activities that had encroached on walkways, pavements, and drainage systems.
The Metropolitan Coordinating Director, Mr. Asuma Adam Braimah, stated that the exercise was necessary because the congestion had made routine cleaning impossible and significantly increased the risk of flooding. He noted that trading activities had completely overtaken walkways and gutters.
Mr. Braimah emphasized that even light rainfall often leads to flooding in these areas, disrupting economic activities and posing dangers to residents and commuters.
In an interview with ATLFMNEWS, he also lamented the severe traffic congestion caused by the spillover of trading onto the roads. He pointed out that at Kotokuraba, a journey that should take just two minutes often stretches to 15 minutes during peak periods.
He described the situation at Abura as particularly critical, given that the market lies along a major route linking Cape Coast to Elmina, Upper Denkyira East, and other surrounding communities. “Selling on pavements and walkways has made traffic in these areas unbearable. People try to avoid Abura, yet it is a major route that cannot be avoided,” he said.
Mr. Braimah explained that the aim of the exercise was not to prevent people from earning a living, but to restore decency to the markets and ensure the free flow of traffic.
Expressing satisfaction with the outcome, he noted that after removing structures at Abura, the area is now open and traffic is flowing normally.
He commended the collaboration between the Assembly and the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, NADMO, and the Metro Security Guards, describing the enforcement as firm and effective.
To ensure the exercise is not just a one-off event, the Metropolitan Coordinating Director assured the public that the North Sub-Metro office at Abura has been tasked with regular monitoring to prevent traders from returning to the walkways.
Mr. Braimah concluded by warning that selling on the road puts lives at risk: “In the event of an accident, the casualty level could be very high. This exercise is also about protecting lives.”
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Source: Alhaji Ibrahim/ATLFMNEWS
