The Ayawaso West Municipal Chief Executive, Michael Mensah, has issued a warning to traders against returning to the Villagio area to conduct business. He emphasized that the residential enclave is not a market and must not be turned into one. This warning comes after a fresh clearance exercise by the municipal taskforce to remove an unauthorized market that had developed in the area.
According to Mr. Mensah, the assembly has cleared the area several times, only for traders to return and resume trading. He expressed concern that despite previous clearances, traders continue to occupy the area. On Wednesday, the taskforce conducted another clearance exercise, but by the following morning, traders were already returning.
Mr. Mensah stressed that the assembly would continue its enforcement operations to prevent traders from occupying unauthorized spaces. He warned that Villagio is a residential area and cannot be turned into a market. The MCE urged traders to heed the warning and stay away from the Villagio area, insisting that the assembly would sustain its efforts.
The Ayawaso West Assembly is facing similar enforcement challenges around the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), where some traders continue to sell from the median despite previous clearances. Mr. Mensah mentioned that the assembly will sustain its efforts to prevent unauthorized trading in residential and other restricted areas.
During the latest exercise, traders were only asked to leave, but future enforcement operations could involve the seizure of their goods. Mr. Mensah warned that if the assembly returns, they will seize items from traders who fail to comply. He urged traders to take the warning seriously and avoid trading in unauthorized areas.
The clearance exercise is part of the assembly's efforts to maintain order and ensure that residential areas are not converted into markets. Mr. Mensah emphasized that the assembly is committed to enforcing the rules and regulations in the area. The exercise was conducted in collaboration with the municipal taskforce.
The Ayawaso West MCE's warning to traders comes as the assembly cracks down on unauthorized markets in the area. The assembly's efforts aim to prevent traders from operating in areas not designated for commercial activities. Key issues, including the need for traders to operate in designated markets and the assembly's commitment to enforcement, remain at the forefront of the assembly's efforts.
Key points
- The Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly will continue to enforce its ban on trading in unauthorized areas, including Villagio.
- Traders who fail to comply may face seizure of their goods in future enforcement operations.
- The assembly aims to maintain order and ensure residential areas are not converted into markets.
