Will the recent decongestion finally break the cycle?

In what appears to be yet another chapter in Accra’s long and tumultuous story of urban management, the current Metropolitan Chief Executive, Michael Kpakpo Allotey,  and the Municipal Chief Executive of Korle Klottey, Alfred Allotey-Gaisie, have embarked on a renewed decongestion drive in the city’s central business district.

The exercise, aimed at restoring order to Accra's overcrowded commercial centres, has seen the removal of unauthorised structures, enforcement of by-laws and a visible reclaiming of pedestrian walkways previously hijacked by hawkers.

To the uninitiated, this might seem like a fresh and bold initiative. But to those familiar with the city’s urban politics, it is a familiar script — one that has played out under successive administrations for decades.

Each time, city authorities descend upon the streets with bulldozers, task forces and fanfare, only for the hawkers to return a few weeks or months later.

The reason?

A persistent lack of political will and entrenched political interference.

It is no secret that previous attempts at decongesting Accra have failed not because of a lack of strategy or effort, but largely because of political sabotage.

Top hierarchies within the very political parties that endorse these operations often undermine them for fear of losing electoral support.

Many hawkers, after all, represent a significant voting bloc.

During past exercises, some influential party leaders have openly criticised such initiatives, branding them as "anti-poor" or "draconian."

They have argued that these operations risk alienating grass-roots supporters and could cost their parties dearly at the polls.

This short-sighted political calculus has effectively neutralised any progress made during decongestion efforts.

Once the headlines fade and the political pressure mounts, the enforcement wanes, and the pavements once again become stalls, showrooms and makeshift kitchens.

The result is a vicious cycle of resource wastage — both financial and human — as each new administration ends up spending the taxpayer’s money to redo what was done (and undone) before.

The two chief executives, to their credit, have so far demonstrated admirable resolve.

By Daily Graphic’s assessment, the recent decongestion operation has been methodical and better coordinated than some previous ones.

Enforcement teams have been accompanied by sensitisation campaigns, and notices were served well in advance to the affected traders.

Furthermore, the chief executives have hinted at implementing sustainable measures to ensure that hawkers do not return to the cleared spaces — a move that will require not just willpower but genuine systemic change.

However, the true test lies ahead.

What happens after the dust settles?

Will political actors allow the enforcement of by-laws without interference? 

Will the municipal authorities put in place the necessary infrastructure to support displaced traders, such as affordable and accessible market spaces?

And most importantly, will the city’s leadership remain consistent and resolute in enforcing the rules regardless of the political season?

The Daily Graphic thinks that to ensure long-term success, there must be legal backing and consistency in the enforcement of city bylaws.

This means empowering city guards and municipal enforcement agencies with the authority and protection to do their jobs without fear of retribution from political heavyweights.

Again, alternative livelihoods and relocation plans must be credible.

Hawkers return to pavements not out of defiance, but because the alternatives are too far, too expensive or very poorly managed.

The two assemblies must ensure that markets are well-maintained, secure and attractive to both traders and customers.

Furthermore, there needs to be a public awareness campaign that frames decongestion not as a war against the poor, but as a civic necessity that benefits everyone.

Clean, organised and accessible streets boost business, reduce accidents and enhance the overall quality of life in the city.

What is more, national political parties must adopt a non-partisan posture on urban management.

Accra’s challenges require continuity and collaboration across party lines. Politicians must rise above vote-seeking populism and commit to policies that prioritise the city's long-term development.

The two chief executives have taken the first step in what could be a transformative journey for Accra

 But unless their efforts are shielded from the usual political undermining, history may once again repeat itself.

The people of Accra deserve better than another cyclical decongestion drama.

They deserve a city where rules are respected, public spaces are protected, and leadership stands firm in the face of political convenience.