By Emelia B. Addae, GNA
Koforidua, Nov. 10, GNA – The New Juaben South Municipal Assembly (NJSMA) has intensified its decongestion exercise to ease traffic, improve pedestrian safety and restore order in the municipality.
The exercise, which has begun in Koforidua, targets street vendors occupying pedestrian walkways and road shoulders, alongside motorists who stop or park at unauthorised locations.
It also prohibits commercial drivers from picking up and dropping passengers at unauthorised points.
The operation seeks to improve access to walkways, designated parking spaces, and roads while reducing congestion in the central business district.
It forms part of efforts to improve the municipality’s infrastructure and public spaces as it works towards attaining metropolitan status.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr Ransford Owusu Boakye, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), said previous decongestion exercises had failed to achieve lasting results.
He attributed the situation partly to inadequate public cooperation, saying the Assembly was determined to sustain the current operation despite the resources required.
Mr Boakye said the Assembly was also addressing concerns about alternative trading spaces for displaced vendors.
He cited the construction of a new market facility at Agartha under the Government’s 24-hour economy initiative as part of the measures.
However, the exercise has drawn mixed reactions from traders, motorists, and pedestrians.
Some traders have expressed concern about losing their trading spaces without adequate alternatives, while motorists and pedestrians have welcomed improved access.
Ms Jessica Sarl, a wiglet vendor affected by the exercise, said existing market centres were already overcrowded.
“Where do they expect us to go and sell when the existing market centres are already choked?” she asked.
Mr Abram Sey, a shoe seller, acknowledged the need to keep the city orderly but said the exercise had reduced his daily sales.
However, some residents said clearing the walkways and road shoulders had improved movement and reduced the risk of pedestrians being knocked down.
Mr Simon Ankrah, a pedestrian, said the exercise would prevent confrontations between traders and people using the walkways.
He recalled an incident in which he nearly knocked over goods displayed along a walkway. He said the vendor threatened to make him pay for the damaged items.
Mr Kingsford Gyasi, a commercial driver, said reduced congestion had eased delays and limited the frequent honking in the central business district.
Ms Precious Edem, a tertiary student, said the clearer roads had improved her daily commute and helped her arrive on campus on time.
The Assembly has appealed to traders, transport operators, and residents to cooperate with the exercise to ensure its sustainability.
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Emelia B. AddaeÂ
[email protected]Â