Some Traders at the Dome Market in Accra have taken to the streets, blocking all vehicular movement to protest the leasing of the market’s redevelopment project to a private company.
The aggrieved traders insist that the project should remain a government initiative rather than being handed over to a private developer.
The protest, which erupted early this morning, was fueled by reports that a section of the market—stretching from the Second-Hand Clothes Lane to the Butchers Lane—had been covered with roofing sheets and marked for demolition.
In an exclusive Interview with our Journalist Ibrahim Amartey, an outraged trader, Madam Salata Asaase, expressed disappointment over the lack of consultation before the redevelopment plans were announced. According to her, they have already petitioned the Chief of Dome and were now calling on the government, particularly President John Mahama, to intervene.
“We were informed around 1 a.m. that some individuals had occupied the space and were planning to demolish structures. We quickly sought police protection to halt the demolition,” – she recounted.
Madam Asaase emphasized that the traders would resist any move to privatize the market’s construction, citing concerns about affordability. She specifically mentioned a private developer, known as ‘Heavy Do,’ who had allegedly built some structures in the area, but due to high rental costs, the stores remained unoccupied.
“Government must act fast. Our president, John Mahama, who prioritizes women’s empowerment, must come and see what is happening here. We also urge our MP, Hon. Elipklim Akurugu, to take action now,” – she added.
Another aggrieved trader, Mr. Kwasi Awua, voiced frustration over the uncertain future of their businesses, stating that some of the existing structures had been in place for over 24 years, yet they had not been allocated their fair share of space.
“The private developer claims he was given the contract by the NPP, but we don’t trust them. We went to the Chief of Dome, and he has assured us that he is unaware of any such contract. So why did they attempt to demolish structures in the middle of the night?” he questioned.
The traders have vowed to continue their protest until their concerns are addressed, demanding that the government retain full control of the market redevelopment to prevent exorbitant rents and unfair allocation of shops.
Meanwhile, the police have been deployed to the area to restore order, while local authorities are yet to respond to the traders’ demands.
By: Ibrahim Amartey
