Weeks after a failed attempt to clear traders from the streets of the Tamale Central Business District (CBD), the Metropolitan Assembly is making a second push to restore order in the city center.
The first decongestion exercise, which was led by the Municipal Chief Executive, Alhaji Abubakari Adam Takoro was intended to rid the area of traders operating in unauthorized spaces.
However, just days after the operation, many of the traders returned, setting up along pedestrian walkways, bicycle lanes, and road shoulders — the very spaces the Assembly had sought to reclaim.
Admitting shortcomings in the initial attempt, the Assembly’s Public Relations Officer Amadu Mustapha Zakari said poor planning and weak enforcement by the task force contributed to the exercise’s failure.
“Proper planning wasn’t done, and the task force did not deliver as expected,” the PRO acknowledged. “We have reviewed our approach and are determined to make this second phase more effective.”
The Tamale Metropolitan Assembly has since announced that Phase II of the mass decongestion exercise will commence on Monday, November 17, 2025.
According to a public notice, the renewed operation forms part of efforts to restore order, improve traffic flow, and promote a clean, safe, and accessible trading environment within the metropolis.
All persons operating in unauthorized areas, including bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways, have been instructed to vacate before the exercise begins.
The Assembly further announced that trading in such spaces will be strictly prohibited on weekends, warning that violators will face sanctions and that items found in restricted areas will be removed at the owner’s expense.
The Assembly has appealed to the public, especially traders and business operators, to cooperate for the success of the exercise.
Despite the earlier setback, city authorities insist the operation is necessary to address growing congestion and restore discipline within the Central Business District.
