The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has held a stakeholder meeting to discuss the growing challenge of unauthorized parking and trading activities along the uncompleted Axim Road redevelopment project. The meeting brought together transport operators, store owners, and other key stakeholders to deliberate on measures to ensure order and safety in the area.

The Axim Road redevelopment is part of the Takoradi to Sekondi Road reconstruction project aimed at improving transportation and urban mobility, has been facing setbacks due to indiscriminate parking by commercial drivers, store owners, and their customers, as well as unauthorized trading activities along the road. These obstructions not only disrupt construction works but also pose serious risks to road users and pedestrians.

Speaking at the meeting, the rep of the project contractor, Edward Lee Afflade, emphasized the importance of cooperation from all stakeholders to facilitate the smooth progress of the road construction. “We understand that businesses and transport operators need space to operate, but it is also crucial that we prioritize public safety and the timely completion of this vital project. We must find a balance that benefits everyone,” he stated.

The head of the STMA Urban Roads Department, Ing. Micheal Dzisi, provided insights on the need for designated parking areas, improved traffic regulation, and relocation of some trading activities to designated markets. He assured stakeholders of collaborative efforts to identify appropriate solutions that will not only decongest the area but also support economic activities in an orderly manner. He further expressed the Assembly’s commitment to continuously engage stakeholders along the project corridor to ensure compliance and smooth completion of the project.

During the interactive session, transport operators and traders expressed their concerns about access to their facilities, inadequate road signs, alternative spaces for their businesses and the enforcement of parking regulations.

At the end of the meeting, stakeholders agreed to measured enforcement of parking regulations for businesses and their customers along the road, install more visible road signs, ensure pedestrians use the overhead bridge, remove all unauthorized trading points, and introduce temporary holding areas for transport operators.