Tamale MCE Launches Bold Decongestion Drive, Targets Traffic Chaos, Street Trading, and Urban Disorder
Tamale, Northern Region — The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of Tamale, Hon. Adam Abu Takoro, has announced that a city-wide decongestion exercise aimed at restoring public order, clearing unauthorized street trading, and improving traffic flow will officially kick off next week Wednesday.
Speaking on Zaa TV Ghana’s flagship morning show Dasiba Tamale, hosted by D. Baba, the MCE emphasized that the exercise is part of a broader plan to reorganize the metropolis, and is being executed with thoughtfulness, technical guidance, and ongoing public education.
“This initiative is not being rushed,” Hon. Takoro stressed. “It is the product of broad consultations with technical officers, the Metro Security Council, and traditional authorities. We are currently continuing public sensitization through our task force to ensure that everyone understands what is coming and why it’s necessary.”
The MCE explained that the operation will address three critical urban challenges: illegal parking, the proliferation of commercial tricycles (locally known as “Yellow-Yellow”) in restricted areas, and traders who have unlawfully taken over pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes, turning vital mobility spaces into makeshift market stalls. “Our pedestrian and bicycle lanes are not open markets,” Hon. Takoro said firmly. “We cannot allow people to be forced into traffic or endanger lives because of encroachment. This exercise is about restoring balance and safety to our city.”
To ensure a smooth transition, the Assembly has designated alternative locations for relocation. These include a lorry park near the Police Park and a space around the Picorna Hotel, which will serve as holding areas for both commercial tricycles and affected traders.“
This decision has been thoroughly reviewed at the Assembly’s committee level, endorsed by the Executive Authority, and supported by the three Members of Parliament representing the Tamale constituencies,” he noted. “We believe the time is right to act in the collective interest of the city.”
In response to concerns about enforcement, Hon. Takoro gave his assurance that the exercise would be fair and non-discriminatory. “There will be no favoritism—no politics, no partiality, no preferences. Everyone will be treated equally under the law,” he declared.
Touching on the government’s 24-hour economy policy, the MCE announced that three key markets—Kapkagyili, Kukou, and Ababoa have been earmarked as potential model centers for the initiative. “We are waiting for consultants to assess these sites and guide us on which one is suitable for it. Tamale must not be left out of this national vision,” he said.
As public sensitization efforts continue ahead of the Wednesday launch, Hon. Takoro’s leadership is being seen as a turning point in Tamale’s urban management, a bold signal that the era of unregulated sprawl is coming to an end in favour of a safer, more organized, and economically vibrant metropolis.
Source: Issifu Alidu Laa-Bandow//zaaghana.com
