The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Henry Quartey on 9th April, 2021 set his ‘Let’s Make Accra Work’ plan into action by storming the central business district (CBD) to clear off traders who had illegally occupied the pavements.
The exercise, undertaken by the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), with support from the security agencies, was to get rid of structures on the shoulders of roads, clear traders who obstruct pedestrian movement off the pavements and allow for the free flow of vehicular traffic. There were also some officials from the Forestry Commission who were present to provide assistance on how the beauty of the area could be re-ignited.
The first point of call for the minister and his team was the Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, where moulds had been constructed in the median of the road. When the team arrived, it was observed that traders selling all manner of items.
Within three hours, the exercise was over, with the once congested area being cleared and pedestrians moving briskly.
The Forestry Commission team got to work immediately to see what could be done to plant trees and restore the greenery.
Speaking after the exercise, The Minister said he had to personally be on the scene for the exercise because the traders had ignored earlier warnings from his office for them to move before the deadline.