Tamale Metro Launches Comprehensive Plan to Decongest City Centre and Boost Urban Order

According to a report cited on radiotamaleonline, Tamale is set to improve drastically on several fronts. In a bold step toward improving urban mobility and economic vibrancy, the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA), under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Hon. Abu Takoro, has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to decongest the Central Business District (CBD) of Tamale.

The initiative follows growing concerns over worsening traffic, unregulated street activities, and a decline in urban order and safety. Acting on a directive from the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) during a recent site inspection. A technical committee was tasked with formulating a practical, action-driven plan to guide the decongestion process.

The committee, which first convened on May 14, outlined a clear set of goals and engaged key stakeholders in crafting sustainable strategies.

Core Objectives of the Decongestion Plan in Tamale

The primary aim is to create a safer, more navigable, and economically viable city centre. Specific objectives include:

• Clearing Public Right-of-Way: Eliminate street hawking and unauthorized use of pedestrian walkways and road shoulders to ease movement.
• Reorganizing Transport Nodes: Address congestion caused by unregulated “yellow-yellow” tricycle stations and informal bus stops.
• Structured Relocation: Provide alternative trading and parking areas to accommodate displaced vendors and drivers.
• Sustaining Urban Order: Establish systems that prevent re-encroachment and ensure ongoing discipline in commercial and transport activities.
• Enhancing Revenue Generation: Boost Internally Generated Funds (IGF) by formalizing informal economic activities and improving land use.

Focus Areas

The decongestion effort will concentrate on high-traffic zones within the First Ring Road, including:

• Aboabo
• Moshie Zongo
• Central Market
• Aboabo Market
• Flyover Underpass

These hotspots have been identified as epicentres of urban disorder and mobility challenges.

Stakeholder Engagement

Recognizing that lasting urban transformation requires collective buy-in, the plan places significant emphasis on inclusive stakeholder engagement. Key groups include:

• Market Traders and Street Hawkers: Who will need relocation and support services?
• Transport Operators and Unions: Particularly tricycle riders and commercial drivers.
• Law Enforcement and Security Agencies: To enforce new regulations and maintain order.
• Traditional Authorities and Local Leaders: Vital for Community Mediation and Support.
• Civil Society and Development Partners: To provide technical expertise and advocacy.

A multi-sectoral task force comprising representatives from all these groups has been established to ensure fairness, transparency, and successful implementation.

Key Interventions

Several critical interventions will guide the implementation:

• Zoning and Infrastructure Redesign: Modernize market layouts, street zones, and pedestrian paths to support urban flow.
• Alternative Facilities: Construct well-equipped trading and parking spaces with lighting, sanitation, and waste management systems.
• Policy Enforcement: Strengthen by-laws on street vending, sanitation, and traffic, backed by firm enforcement.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate residents via media, community forums, and outreach programs.
• Smart City Tools: Integrate digital traffic systems, GIS mapping, and mobile apps for coordination and monitoring.

Immediate Action Steps

The roadmap to execution includes the following:

• Stakeholder Consultations: Forums to explain the rationale, benefits, and available support.
• Mapping and Data Collection: Assess informal sector activities to inform decisions.
• Resource Mobilization: Secure funding and logistics to develop new facilities.
• Phased Rollout: Begin in high-impact areas with minimal disruption to livelihoods.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Track progress, manage feedback, and refine interventions.

As Tamale continues to expand rapidly, this decongestion initiative stands as a pivotal measure to balance growth with functionality, safety, and sustainability.

If successfully executed, it could become a model for urban transformation across Ghana, advancing national goals for inclusive and sustainable city development.