The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) commenced a demolition exercise to remove structures constructed without permits in the metropolis on Wednesday, March 22, 2017.
The AMA, in a statement, made mention of unauthorized structures around the Odaw River, Korle Lagoon, Old Fadama, among others, and ordered persons responsible for the construction of such structures to remove them immediately.
The AMA reiterated that the construction of structures without permits is also an offence punishable by law.
Hawkers making a living on footbridges and the underpasses of overhead bridges would also be sanctioned, it stated.
The AMA has, however, announced that it has agreed to allocate hawkers some space on the streets of Accra as part of a “red line” policy.
The AMA ordered such persons to cease these activities, noting that “all those who are selling on pavements and roads in the metropolis are being reminded that their activities are contrary to AMA Street Hawking bye-laws 2011. While those hawking in the middle of the road are breaking the above-mentioned bye-laws, as well as the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2008 (Act 761) Section 29(2).”
Other offences highlighted in the AMA statement were the disposal of refuse and e-waste in waterways and the unauthorized parking of vehicles on pavements and roads.