Kaneshie Footbridge Finally Cleared of Hawkers After Years of Congestion
May 2025 In a major breakthrough for urban order and pedestrian safety in the capital the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has successfully cleared the Kaneshie footbridge of hawkers and street traders, restoring the once-congested overpass to its intended use.
The operation which forms part of AMA’s ongoing city wide decongestion campaign began earlier this week and has already brought significant change to one of Accra’s busiest commercial areas. For the first time in years commuters can now walk freely across the bridge without dodging piles of wares, makeshift stalls, or traders blocking the way.
This is how the bridge was meant to be used, said Adwoa Boateng a regular pedestrian. For once, I didn’t have to squeeze between shoes, tomatoes and phone accessories just to get across.
Located in the heart of the Kaneshie transport hub the footbridge had long been transformed into a chaotic mini-market. It became known for heavy foot traffic, petty crime, unsanitary conditions, and the risky diversion of pedestrians onto the main roads due to congestion.
The decongestion exercise was led by AMA Chief Executive Hon. Elizabeth K.T. Sackey, with support from National Security and city task forces. The operation was described as swift, strategic, and necessary and is part of a broader vision to restore discipline, safety, and cleanliness across the city.
This is not a one-off, assured AMA Public Relations Officer Gilbert Nii Ankrah. “We’re putting in place sustainable measures to ensure the hawkers do not return. Accra deserves to be clean, orderly, and safe.
While many commuters have praised the effort, some of the displaced traders have expressed concern over their livelihoods. Many of them say they operate on the streets not by choice, but out of economic necessity.
We’re not here because we want to be we’re here because of hardship, said Mariam Fuseini, a former vendor of secondhand clothes on the bridge. We need alternatives before being driven away.
In response, the AMA has revealed plans to relocate affected traders to alternative market spaces within the Kaneshie enclave. Officials say these plans are being developed in collaboration with market authorities to provide more permanent and structured locations for informal businesses.
The successful clearance of the Kaneshie footbridge is being hailed by many as a hopeful sign that Accra’s long-standing urban challenges such as uncontrolled street trading and sanitation issues may finally be addressed with firm and consistent leadership.
The AMA has announced intentions to replicate similar exercises in other major areas including Circle, Lapaz, and Madina, signaling a larger commitment to restoring Accra to a functional, inclusive, and safe city for all.
As of now, the Kaneshie footbridge stands not only as a pathway for pedestrians but also as a powerful symbol of what can be achieved through decisive urban management.