The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has arrested a 46-year-old coconut trader for allegedly using a designated bus stop along the Professor John Evans Atta Mills High Street, near the Arts Centre, as an unauthorised trading and storage area. The trader, identified as Emmanuel Awotwi, was arrested by an AMA enforcement team after more than 500 coconuts were found occupying a substantial portion of the bus stop.
The AMA said the action contravenes the Assembly’s Control of Hawkers By-law, 2017, which prohibits traders from causing obstructions or impeding the free movement of pedestrians and vehicles. According to the Assembly, the bus stop is designated for vehicles to pick up and drop off passengers, but Mr Awotwi had allegedly converted the space into a storage and retail distribution point despite previous public education and warnings against the misuse of public spaces.
Mr Awotwi explained that he regularly transports coconuts from Takoradi to Accra for distribution to retailers around the Arts Centre area. He said the coconuts are usually offloaded at night and distributed to retailers, but on the day of the incident, he was unable to distribute the entire consignment, leaving a large quantity at the bus stop until the AMA enforcement team arrived the following morning.
Speaking during the operation, Accra Mayor, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, expressed concern over the growing practice of traders using bus stops, loading bays and other public transport facilities as storage and trading spaces. He said such activities obstruct public transport operations, inconvenience commuters and contribute to congestion within the Central Business District.
The Mayor also raised concerns about the improper disposal of coconut husks, saying some traders dump the waste into drains, along roadsides and other unauthorised locations. He warned that such practices contribute to poor sanitation and can obstruct drainage channels, worsening flooding risks.
Hon. Allotey said the Assembly has repeatedly engaged and warned coconut traders in the CBD about improper waste disposal and the unauthorised occupation of public spaces. He urged traders, suppliers and transporters to operate only from designated markets and approved trading locations.
The Mayor further warned that persons who continue to trade, store goods or occupy bus stops, road reservations and other unauthorised public spaces will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the Assembly’s by-laws. He stressed that maintaining a clean, safe and orderly Accra requires the collective cooperation of traders, motorists, residents, transport operators, traditional authorities and other stakeholders.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe