The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, has launched a major traffic management initiative aimed at reducing congestion across the region during the Christmas period and beyond.

The exercise, dubbed “Operation Free Traffic,” was officially rolled out on Thursday, December 4, with a firm directive that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) who fail to enforce compliance will be sanctioned.

Mrs. Ocloo said the initiative seeks to ease the heavy human and vehicular traffic that characterises commercial centres in the capital during the festive season. She has tasked the Accra and Tema Regional Police Commands, the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), and all Assemblies to intensify operations at key congestion points, including markets, malls, major junctions and nightlife hotspots.

As part of the exercise, abandoned or wrongly parked vehicles will be towed, and owners fined GH¢2,000. Commercial drivers, traders, event organisers and nightclub operators were also cautioned to avoid obstructing roadways and pedestrian walkways.

Assemblies have further been instructed to clear choked gutters, remove overgrown weeds along road medians, and improve sanitation within their operational areas.

Mrs. Ocloo warned that any MMDCE who fails to implement the directive will face disciplinary action.

The Minister also urged residents to support the exercise through compliance and vigilance.

“I have directed all Assemblies to ensure that public spaces are kept clean. Those who fail to clear drains or maintain sanitation will be sanctioned,” she said.

She added that the region would no longer tolerate indiscriminate parking, unauthorised street trading or activities that slow traffic movement.