AMA warns Agbogbloshie pepper traders of fines and court action over sanitation violations

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has warned pepper traders at Agbogbloshie Market that they could face fines or court action if they continue to flout market directives under the Clean Ghana campaign.

The warning follows an AMA task force operation on Wednesday to clear sections of the market reportedly operating under unhygienic conditions. Some traders resisted, accusing the Assembly of unfair targeting and failing to provide alternative selling spaces, sparking confrontations.

The exercise is part of AMA’s renewed efforts to remove unauthorised structures and improve sanitation across the market. Director for the Clean Ghana Campaign, Kuukyi Florence, told JoyNews that the Assembly will intensify enforcement against traders who violate the sanitation bylaws.

“In our AMA sanitation bylaw, you are not supposed to display your wares below three feet. The ground may not be paved, and microorganisms can easily contaminate the products,” Mrs Kuukyi explained. She added that anyone trading in front of the dwarf wall was defying the law.

Violators face fines of at least 50 penalty units (₵600), or up to three months’ remand if unable to pay, she said, adding that the Assembly’s information van will continue public education campaigns.

Traders, however, expressed frustration, noting that no alternative spaces had been provided. One seller said, “We have nowhere else to trade, and we don’t have money to rent shops. For the little we are earning, that’s why we are trading here.”

Another trader, Abigail, urged the AMA to increase public education efforts, noting that consistent engagement could improve compliance.