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 storage and trading area.
The trader, identified as Emmanuel Awotwi, was arrested by an AMA enforcement team after more than 500 coconuts were found occupying a significant portion of the bus stop, restricting access to the facility.
According to the Assembly, Mr Awotwi’s action contravened the AMA’s Control of Hawkers by-law (2017), which prohibits traders from obstructing the free movement of pedestrians and vehicles.
The AMA said the bus stop, which is meant for vehicles to pick up and drop off passengers, had been converted into a storage and retail distribution point for coconuts without approval.
Explaining the situation, Mr Awotwi said he transports coconuts from Takoradi to Accra for distribution to retailers around the Arts Centre area. He noted that the coconuts are usually offloaded at night, but on this occasion, he was unable to distribute the entire consignment before the enforcement team arrived the following morning.
Speaking during the operation, the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, expressed concern over the increasing practice of traders using bus stops, loading bays and other public facilities for commercial activities.
He said such actions disrupt 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 by some traders, noting that the waste is often left on roadsides or dumped into drains, creating sanitation challenges and contributing to flooding.
He said the Assembly has repeatedly engaged coconut sellers and other traders within the CBD, warning them against illegal trading and poor waste management practices.
Hon. Allotey warned that persons who continue to occupy bus stops, road reservations and other unauthorised public spaces for trading or storage would face arrest and prosecution.
He urged traders and suppliers to operate only from designated markets and approved trading areas to help maintain a clean, safe and orderly Accra.
By: Bernard Mensah
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