AMA court fines 21 Agbogbloshie traders GH¢600 each for sanitation offences

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Sanitation Court has imposed fines of GH¢600 each (equivalent to 50 penalty units) on 21 traders at the Agbogbloshie Market for various sanitation and public order violations.

The offences included selling at unauthorised locations, obstructing pedestrian walkways, and blocking access roads with tricycles, popularly known as “Pragya”.

Among those fined were John Koko, Adu Ibrahim, Donald Koku, Anthony Ngambe, Baadal Aku, Christiana Okai, Peter Yayir, Dalodo Elivah, Ofori Amos, Bilidone Jacob, Jacob Basah, and Emmanuel Naja, who were convicted of selling at unauthorised places and obstructing public pathways.

Others, including Simon Bilah, Daniel Okai, Joe Boakye, and Noah Nassim, were penalised for blocking access routes with their tricycles.

According to the Head of Public Affairs at the AMA, Mr. Gilbert Nii Ankrah, the offenders were prosecuted after being apprehended by Public Health Officers during a routine enforcement exercise aimed at ensuring compliance with the city’s sanitation bye-laws.

He explained that the fines are intended to serve as a deterrent to traders and residents who continue to flout public health and safety regulations.

He added that the exercise aligns with the relaunch of the National Sanitation Day initiative, which underscores shared responsibility among residents, traders, and businesses in maintaining environmental hygiene.

Head of Public Health at the AMA, Madam Florence Kuukyi, noted that the court considered it the offenders’ first appearance, hence the imposition of fines rather than custodial sentences.

However, she cautioned that repeat offenders would face stiffer sanctions, including possible imprisonment.

Madam Kuukyi disclosed that all 21 traders paid their fines in full before the close of business at 4:30 p.m., as none was willing to serve the three-month jail term that would have been imposed in default. Each was also made to sign a bond of good behaviour, pledging not to sell along roads or on pavements.

Madam Kuukyi explained that the Agbogbloshie enforcement formed part of a three-phase decongestion and sanitation strategy by the AMA to restore order and hygiene in the markets.

Phase One focuses on clearing traders selling on roadsides and open drains to free up pedestrian and vehicular movement.

Phase Two targets those displaying wares directly on the ground within the market.

Phase Three will address food vendors cooking inside the market to prevent potential fire hazards and contamination.

She added that the Assembly had already engaged and educated traders on proper trading practices and market hygiene but noted that some continue to disregard the regulations.