The Women’s Caucus in Parliament has paid a ccourtesy call on the Mayor of Accra. Michael Kpakpo Allotey and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to address the aftermath of the recent decongestion exercise and discuss the future of market women.
The visit also revealed Parliament’s commitment to ensuring fair treatment and sustainable solutions for traders.
Chairperson of the caucus and First Deputy Majority Leader, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, commended the Mayor for his pragmatic approach. She praised his decision to designate specific trading zones rather than completely displacing vendors from pavements.
During the discussions, Doyoe Cudjoe raised concerns about the frequent “bullying” endured by market women during such exercises, expressing her appreciation for the Mayor’s more humane strategy.
“If I were to give him a score, I’d give him 99%,” the leader stated, recalling an incident that prompted her intervention. “I was in Russia when I saw some of the women screaming, so I quickly texted a member of Parliament and asked, ‘What’s happening?’ She elaborated, “Upon my return, I immediately engaged the women’s caucus and the Speaker of Parliament on this issue. We concluded it was part of our oversight responsibility to meet the Mayor and the market women to assess his progress. If corrections are needed, we’ll suggest them; otherwise, we’ll offer our full support. And so far, I am more than satisfied.”
She pledged Parliament’s unwavering support for the Mayor’s efforts and indicated a plan to further encourage his work. She also announced that the caucus would visit other metropolitan assemblies across Ghana to observe their decongestion strategies and promote the adoption of Accra’s compassionate approach.
“We will be visiting other metropolitan assemblies to examine their ongoing efforts. We will go to Madina, Ofankor, and Adenta, where similar street vending activities occur. We will even extend our visits as far as Kumasi. As women, we deeply care about these matters and are committed to protecting our market women; seeing the joy on their faces confirms we need to resolve these issues definitively,” she remarked.
In response, Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey acknowledged the financial challenges many traders face in renting shops, highlighting the need for long-term solutions through dialogue. He credited divine guidance for his approach;”I asked God for wisdom, and he gave me wisdom. I can move them back for them to sell, allowing people to pass. I believe this has worked for me. I’m actively seeking designated spaces for them to sell, as not everyone can afford to rent a shop.” He cautioned, “If we don’t take the time to find solutions and simply displace them, it will only create pressure on the government.”
Allotey outlined his plans to expand market capacity for traders, including completing the Salaga and London Markets. He also proposed occasionally blocking streets to provide temporary selling spaces. Furthermore, he revealed a strategy for self-regulation among traders.
“We know the market women have leaders, and on each street, I’m going to bring 10 of them together. They will be their own police. Because if I’ve done my best for you, and you choose not to stay in line, then I have to come after you.” He stated.
Following the meeting, the parliamentary caucus proceeded to Makola Market to observe firsthand the traders’ adherence to the newly established regulations.
The Mayor, alongside the Accra Metropolitan Assembly Task Force, initiated a significant decongestion exercise on Accra’s streets, particularly in market zones, in May of this year. Currently, a clear demarcation system is in place, enabling traders to conduct their business without obstructing road pavements.
Story By: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
