AMA to Agbogbloshie Chiefs: Redevelopment Will Not Leave Traders Behind
News of a major redevelopment of Agbogbloshie Market under the Government’s 24-Hour Economy plan created fear and panic among traders and residents, who feared losing their source of livelihood.
In a closed-door engagement with traditional authorities and traders, AMA officials made it clear to them that nobody would lose their space.
The Mayor of Accra, Mr Michael Kpakpo Allotey, told the gathering that the project will only move forward “through dialogue, not force.”
He admitted the redevelopment has stalled for years because of legal battles and poor consultation. This time, he said, it will be different.
“We recognise that this market feeds families in Agbogbloshie, Old Fadama and beyond. Your interests will be protected,” the Mayor assured.
He promised that no trader or resident will be unfairly displaced and that the goal is to make the market safer, cleaner, and organised to fit the 24-Hour Economy vision — more lights, better waste systems, and space for night trading.
Presiding Member of AMA, Mr. Musah Ziyad, explained that the first plan would have affected both the Nzema Market and the Yam Market, hence the new scope, is being reviewed to reduce disruption.
The expected benefits on paper are significant: modern infrastructure, proper drainage, security, and improved road access and for a market notorious for fires and flooding, those upgrades could mean the difference between loss and growth.
The traditional authorities fought for their subjects, demanding that before cement is poured, those affected by the redevelopment should be duly compensated.
To this extent, they demanded that the Assembly should develop and communicate a clear resettlement and restoration plan to minimise the economic and social impact of the project on affected traders.
Bala Ali, ISD
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