Cape Coast Mayor, Mr. George Justice Arthur, has expressed concern over the overcrowded nature of markets in the metropolis, warning that the situation poses serious safety risks to traders and shoppers alike.

According to him, the congestion—particularly at the Kotokuraba and Abura markets—not only undermines security but also exposes the facilities to heightened dangers in the event of disasters such as fires or flooding.

Speaking after a two-day mandatory clean-up exercise organised by the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly (CCMA), the Mayor disclosed plans to roll out a major decongestion operation.

“We want to send this strong signal through the media that, effective next week, there will be a massive decongestion exercise at Abura and Kotokuraba markets. This will be carried out in collaboration with the Police and CCMA officers,” he said.

The exercise, he explained, is aimed at addressing the practice where some traders occupy walkways and road paths, worsening overcrowding and contributing to poor sanitation in the markets. He revealed that engagements have already been held with affected traders, urging them to relocate to appropriate trading spaces as enforcement officers will not entertain excuses.

Beyond congestion, Hon. Arthur also lamented the state of sanitation in Cape Coast, noting that the Assembly spends significant resources on waste management at the expense of other development priorities.

Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Panyin Eduamoah Okyere, who joined the clean-up exercise, reinforced the call for behavioural change.

He stressed that the government spends more on managing waste than on road construction, and urged residents to adopt proper waste disposal habits to reduce the burden on the state.