AMA arrests coconut trader over alleged illegal use of pedestrian walkway
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has arrested a 46-year-old coconut trader, Emmanuel Awotwi, for allegedly using a designated pedestrian walkway as an unauthorised space for storing and selling coconuts.
The arrest was made as part of efforts by the Assembly to enforce its laws and keep public spaces, including pedestrian walkways and bus stops, free from activities that may obstruct movement and create difficulties for pedestrians and commuters.
Coconut Trader Allegedly Occupied Bus Stop
According to the AMA, Emmanuel Awotwi was found occupying a large part of a bus stop located along the Professor John Evans Atta Mills High Street, near the Arts Centre in Accra.
The task force reportedly discovered that the trader had turned part of the area into a storage and trading space for his coconut business.
More than 500 coconuts were said to have been stored at the location for sale.
The AMA considers the use of the space for such activities to be a violation of the Assembly’s regulations governing hawkers and trading activities in the city.
Arrest Linked to AMA By-Law
The AMA said the arrest was made in connection with an alleged breach of the Control of Hawkers By-law, 2017, Sub-section (d).
The by-law is intended to help regulate hawking and trading activities within the Accra Metropolitan Area and prevent traders from occupying spaces that are meant for other public purposes.
In this case, the Assembly believes the pedestrian walkway and bus stop were not being used for their intended purposes.
The alleged use of the area as a storage and trading location could also affect pedestrians and public transport users who depend on the space.
Concerns Over Public Walkways
Pedestrian walkways are designed to provide safe paths for people to move around the city without having to walk on busy roads.
When such spaces are occupied by traders or used to store goods, pedestrians may be forced to move onto the road, which can increase the risk of accidents.
Bus stops also serve an important purpose because they provide designated areas where passengers can wait for public transport.
The AMA’s action appears to be part of its wider efforts to ensure that public spaces are used for their intended purposes.
The presence of more than 500 coconuts at the location also suggests that the space was being used for a significant trading operation rather than as a temporary stop for a small number of goods.
AMA Continues Enforcement
The arrest of Emmanuel Awotwi highlights the Assembly’s efforts to enforce regulations on hawking and trading activities in Accra.
The AMA has previously raised concerns about the occupation of public spaces by traders and other businesses.
Authorities have often called on traders to operate from approved locations and avoid blocking roads, pedestrian walkways, bus stops and other areas meant for public use.
The latest arrest sends a warning to other traders who may be using public spaces for business without the necessary approval.
The AMA is expected to continue monitoring public areas to ensure that traders comply with the city’s laws.
For Emmanuel Awotwi, the case now centres on the allegation that he used a designated pedestrian walkway and part of a bus stop as an unauthorised storage and trading area.
The 46-year-old coconut trader was reportedly found with more than 500 coconuts at the location before his arrest by the AMA task force.
The development has once again brought attention to the need for traders to follow city regulations and for public spaces in Accra to remain accessible to pedestrians and commuters.
