The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Madam Linda Obenewa Ocloo, has issued a stern warning to traders operating on the Kaneshie footbridge, urging them to vacate the crumbling structure before authorities are compelled to remove them forcibly.
In an interview with TV XYZ and Power FM, the Minister, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Shai Osu Doku, expressed her concerns regarding the deteriorating condition of the footbridge. She emphasized that traders selling their goods on the bridge will face eviction prior to any government intervention aimed at repairing it. While she did not specify a timeline for these actions, she stated, “Soon, we will come after the hawkers on the Kaneshie footbridge,” in Akan, reaffirming her dedication to cleaning up the streets of Accra.
“We will also ensure we get beggars off our streets in Accra,” the MP added.
The Kaneshie footbridge has remained in a state of disrepair for years, yet hawkers continue to set up shop, displaying their merchandise on the ground for commuters. This activity has resulted in the footbridge being consistently littered and unkempt.
Recently, traders were given a deadline until the end of April 2025 to vacate the area, following a joint inspection conducted by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), the Ministry for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), and the Ablekuma Central Municipal Assembly (ACMA).
Officials indicated that the inspection was intended to evaluate the condition of the city’s deteriorating footbridges, particularly at the Kaneshie Market, one of the capital’s busiest commercial centers.
After the inspection, Douglas N.K. Annoful, the Coordinating Director at AMA, voiced his concerns regarding the structural integrity of the bridge, highlighting that the presence of hawkers significantly contributes to its deterioration. He noted that despite previous efforts by the AMA to relocate the traders, compliance has been minimal.
