The Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA) has announced the commencement of a comprehensive decongestion exercise within the Central Business District (CBD) of the metropolis, aimed at addressing growing concerns over street hawking, unauthorised transport operations, and worsening traffic congestion.
Speaking at his first official press briefing since assuming office two months ago, Mayor Adam Abubakar Takoro described the upcoming operation as a “necessary and overdue intervention” to restore order and improve urban mobility in the city.
“As mayor, I undertook an unannounced visit to the CBD and was alarmed by the level of congestion, hawking on streets and pavements, and the rising number of unauthorised tricycle (Yellow Yellow) stations,” he said.
“The situation is not just unsightly, it is a major public safety and urban management concern.”
The decongestion exercise is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, and will target key congestion-prone areas including the First Ring Road, Aboabo, Moshie Zongo, Central Market, Aboabo Market, and areas under the flyover.
The operation will affect street hawkers, unauthorised on-street parking operators, and informal ‘yellow yellow’ stations operating outside of designated areas.
As part of the implementation measures, all commercial taxis currently operating within the main taxi rank are to vacate the space to make way for the relocation of Yellow Yellow operators. In addition, second-hand goods dealers are being instructed to relocate to the Kukuo Market.
Mayor Takoro expressed confidence in the potential impact of the exercise, noting that if carried out effectively, it will: Ease human and vehicular traffic congestion, improve pedestrian safety, create a better-organised and more attractive business environment, and enhance the Assembly’s revenue mobilisation.
He acknowledged that past efforts to decongest the CBD have yielded limited results due to resistance from traders and transport operators, particularly those unwilling to relocate to designated areas.
However, he emphasised that this time, the Assembly is relying on extensive stakeholder engagement to ensure cooperation and successful implementation.
“We are optimistic that with the support of all relevant actors, including traders, transport unions, and traditional authorities, we can reclaim order and ensure a more efficient city space for everyone,” the mayor said.
The Assembly has pledged to keep the public updated through regular communication and urged residents to cooperate fully during the exercise.
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