Tamale, Ghana – [22/05/2025]
In a decisive move to improve urban mobility and economic vibrancy, the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA), led by the Chief Executive officer, Hon. Abu Takoro has rolled out a comprehensive strategy aimed at decongestion of the Central Business District (CBD) of Tamale.
The initiative, driven by the directive of the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), seeks to address growing concerns over unregulated street activities, traffic congestion, and diminishing urban order in the city center.
Following a directive from the MCE during a recent site inspection, a technical committee was constituted and tasked with formulating an actionable plan to guide the decongestion process.
The committee, which convened on May 14, identified key objectives and stakeholders and proposed pragmatic strategies to ensure a smooth and sustainable implementation.
The overarching aim of the decongestion plan is to create a safer, more navigable, and economically productive city center. The specific objectives include:
Clearing Public Right-of-Way: Eliminate street hawking and unauthorized occupation of walkways and road shoulders to ensure free movement of both vehicles and pedestrians.
Reorganizing Urban Transport Nodes: Address the proliferation of illegal “yellow-yellow” tricycle stations and informal bus stops, which have contributed to traffic bottlenecks.
Structured Relocation: Provide organized and accessible alternative trading and parking areas for displaced hawkers, drivers, and other informal sector operators.
Promoting Sustainable Urban Order: Establish long-term systems to prevent re-encroachment and ensure orderly conduct of commercial and transport activities.
Enhancing Revenue Generation: Improve Internally Generated Funds (IGF) by formalizing informal activities, optimizing land use, and boosting local business activity.
The exercise will focus on strategic areas within the First Ring Road, including critical congestion points like Aboabo, Moshie Zongo, the Central Market, Aboabo Market, and the flyover underpass. These areas have been identified as epicenters of urban disorder and mobility challenges.
The targeted area for the exercise falls within the First Ring Road, encompassing high-traffic zones such as Aboabo, Moshie Zongo, the Central Market, Aboabo Market, and the area beneath the flyover.
Recognizing that urban transformation requires collective buy-in, the plan emphasizes strong stakeholder engagement. Key stakeholder groups include:
Market Traders and Street Hawkers: Who will be affected directly and require relocation and support services.
Transport Operators and Unions: Including tricycle riders and commercial drivers whose operations will be regulated and streamlined.
Law Enforcement and Security Agencies: Tasked with maintaining peace and enforcing the new city regulations.
Traditional Authorities and Local Leaders: Who play a vital role in community mobilization and mediation.
Civil Society and Development Partners: To provide technical assistance, advocacy, and capacity-building support.
A multi-sectoral task force has been formed, drawing representatives from all these groups to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to the plan’s principles.
The success of the decongestion plan will hinge on the implementation of carefully considered interventions. These include:
Zoning and Infrastructure Upgrades: Redesign of street layouts, market zones, and pedestrian walkways to ensure functional urban spaces.
Alternative Trading and Parking Facilities: Construction or rehabilitation of designated spaces equipped with essential amenities such as lighting, sanitation, and waste management.
Legislative and Policy Enforcement: Strengthening of by-laws related to street vending, traffic management, and public sanitation, accompanied by a strong enforcement mechanism.
Public Education Campaigns: Continuous sensitization through media, community forums, and educational outreach to build awareness and cooperation among residents.
Technology Integration: Exploring smart city technologies such as digital traffic control, GIS mapping of vendor sites, and mobile apps for transport coordination.
As the plan transitions into the execution phase, the following immediate steps have been outlined:
- Stakeholder Consultations: Engage all affected groups through forums and dialogues to explain the rationale, benefits, and support mechanisms of the decongestion effort.
- Mapping and Data Collection: Detailed assessment and mapping of informal activities and space usage to inform decision-making.
- Resource Mobilization: Secure funding and partnerships for the development of alternative spaces and procurement of enforcement logistics.
- Phased Implementation: Adopt a phased approach that prioritizes high-impact areas while minimizing social and economic disruption.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish performance indicators and regular review mechanisms to assess progress, address grievances, and improve processes.
As Tamale continues to grow rapidly, this decongestion plan represents a pivotal effort to balance urban expansion with livability and functionality.
If successfully implemented, the initiative is expected to set a precedent for other urban centers across Ghana, contributing significantly to national goals of inclusive, sustainable urban development.
Report By: Robicon Mornahson
