Footbridges not market!

Dear Editor,

We all have to engage in one activity or the other in order to make ends meet but I am surprised how some people in Accra want to turn every available space into a market, including newly constructed footbridges.

My recent observation is the Madina Footbridge, specifically the new one close to the Redco junction and a few others in the area and beyond.

A walk on the bridge should have taken less than five minutes but I did it in about 10 minutes, when I decided to use it recently. I was dazed by the uncountable number of traders who had occupied the space, making it difficult for me and other users to find our way through.

Conscious of the misconduct, I noticed them running in opposite directions anytime a false alarm was raised about a Municipal Guard approaching. Variety of food items, vegetables, clothing, among others were displayed along the walkway.

Returning to the Shiashie footbridge also, I spotted other people selling sandals and dresses although their activity was not as busy as what I saw at Madina. 

Similar activities were also springing up on the Spanner footbridge close to the Accra Mall. Majority of the people who occupy these spaces are petty traders and I believe they hang around the area to get “something small” from pedestrians at random.

Inasmuch as they must survive, I wonder how long we must allow them to turn these places into mini markets before we act.  I wish to remind authorities that, footbridges especially newly constructed ones must be made to serve its intended purpose before these traders take over completely.

Philip Kumi,

Achimota.