AMA demolishes illegal structures at Nkrumah interchange

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly has demolished unauthorized structures and settlements around the Kwame Nkrumah interchange at Circle in Accra.

The numerous hawkers on the pavement are also being asked to vacate the place immediately.

The exercise is reportedly at the behest of the Accra Mayor Mohammed Adjei Sowah.

The interchange was outdoored less than a year ago by former President John Mahama.

Some of the affected traders who spoke to Oman News indicated that, though government notified them, three weeks ahead of the exercise, the AMA failed to offer an alternative place for them to sell their wares.

“Where do they expect us to go now that they have demolished our structures? They gave us a three week ultimatum but they did not give us an alternative venue for us to relocate to. We do not have any place to sell our wares and we have to work to cater for our family. Government should have found a convenient place for us before demolishing our structures,” one of the traders said.

They were unhappy about the action of the AMA stating that the current government while in the opposition promised to ensure that they go about their businesses without harassment as occurred under the previous administration.

However, the Director of Operations at the AMA, Mohammed Naziru in a rebuttal justified the AMA’s move, saying the traders’ concerns are baseless since they were given prior notice.

Mr. Naziru further explained that the move is in fulfillment of President Nana Addo’s commitment to rid the country of filth.

“The AMA taskforce is not happy about this development. That is why we came to speak to them to find another place. Nana Addo’s priority is to make Accra clean and that is why we are embarking on this exercise.”

Asked whether the exercise will yield the desired results, Mr. Naziru said: “I don’t know about the previous situation but we are here to work seriously.”

Story By: Michael Creg Afful

#Latestinghana #News #Headlinesnews #Politics