National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Team Member, Hon. Selorm Avedetsi has attributed the encroachment on pedestrian walkways in urban areas to poor urban planning, inadequate infrastructure and prevailing economic challenges.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s Nkosuonsem, hosted by Obidehyie Kofi Sekyi, he called on city authorities to provide adequate pedestrian walkways and designated trading spaces to address the growing problem.
Citing Tema as an example, Hon. Selorm noted that population growth and expanding commercial activities had placed increasing pressure on existing infrastructure, forcing pedestrians to compete for limited space with hawkers and other traders.
He stressed that while existing laws must be enforced to protect public walkways, authorities must also address the underlying challenges that compel some traders to occupy unauthorised spaces.
According to him, a sustainable solution requires more than enforcement, insisting that proper urban planning and the provision of suitable trading facilities are essential to tackling the problem.
Hon. Selorm also pointed to the NDC’s Big Push infrastructure programme and 24-hour economy policy, arguing that investments in road infrastructure and well-planned markets could help ease congestion and discourage traders from occupying pedestrian walkways.
He urged city authorities and urban planners to prioritise pedestrian safety by developing adequate walkways and providing appropriate spaces for commercial activities, ensuring that public walkways remain accessible to pedestrians.
By: Kyei Pearl Ama Saah
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