GUTA BACKS ACCRA STREET DECONGESTION DESPITE LACK OF PRIOR ENGAGEMENT
Traders’ union calls for stakeholder consultation in future operations
The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has declared its support for the ongoing street decongestion exercise in Accra, despite not being consulted ahead of the initiative’s commencement.
Speaking on Onua FM on January 19, Edward Atobrah Binkley, Deputy General Secretary of GUTA, said the union had only been made aware of the exercise earlier in the day but had no objections to its goals.
“We have nothing against the street decongestion exercise. We also want the safety of our traders and the safety of everyone involved,” Mr Binkley stated.
He explained that while many traders leave designated market spaces to sell on pavements and streets in pursuit of higher sales, such practices pose risks and contribute to urban disorder. He encouraged traders to return to their assigned trading areas for their safety and the wellbeing of the public.
“When we tell our families that we are going out to work, it is our sincere desire that we all return home safely at the close of day,” he added.
Mr Binkley, however, stressed the importance of proper communication and stakeholder engagement before launching similar exercises in the future to avoid confusion and ensure collaboration.
The comments follow the launch of a major decongestion campaign by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, as part of activities marking National Sanitation Day. The exercise seeks to clear unauthorised structures from streets and walkways, improve sanitation, and restore order in the capital.
City authorities have called on residents and stakeholders to support the operation in a bid to create a cleaner and more organised Accra.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
