Source: Nana Achiaa Aboagye
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has dismissed claims that traders occupying the one-storey material stores at the 31st December Makola Market are being forcefully ejected to pave way for a redevelopment project.
According to the Assembly, the ongoing exercise forms part of a carefully planned redevelopment initiative aimed at transforming the old one-storey structure into a modern four-storey market complex to create additional trading spaces for traders operating within the Central Business District.
Addressing the media, the Presiding Member of the AMA, Musah Ziyad, who read a statement on behalf of the Assembly, explained that the redevelopment process followed extensive stakeholder engagements, consultations and notices involving traders, shop owners, market leaders and other affected persons.
“This exercise does not constitute a forceful eviction. It is part of a carefully planned redevelopment initiative intended to provide modern, safe and decent trading spaces for traders while helping to decongest the city,” he stated.
He noted that several meetings were held with affected traders and their representatives in 2025 to discuss the objectives, timelines and expected benefits of the project.
According to him, traders occupying the low-rise commercial structures agreed during engagements to temporarily vacate the area to allow construction works to commence.
Musah Ziyad disclosed that the redevelopment forms part of broader measures introduced by the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, to decongest the streets and pavements of Accra through the red line policy while creating alternative trading spaces for petty traders.
He explained that on August 27, 2025, all occupants of the 31st December Makola Market material stores were invited to a stakeholder meeting where the redevelopment decision was formally communicated to them.
“At that meeting, traders were assured that an album would be compiled to capture data on all tenants, container owners and operators within the project area to ensure transparency and fairness in the future allocation process,” he said.
The Presiding Member further assured affected traders and legitimate shop owners that they would be given priority consideration during the allocation of spaces in the new market complex after completion of the project.
“We want to assure all affected traders and existing shop owners that they will be duly considered and allocated spaces within the new market complex upon completion of the redevelopment project,” he added.
Musah Ziyad also revealed that the Assembly extended the relocation deadline to January 12, 2026, after traders appealed for more time due to the Christmas season.
He added that as part of efforts to cushion affected traders and shop owners during the relocation and redevelopment period, the Assembly has not collected rent from some shop owners since last year due to the inconveniences and challenges associated with the ongoing process.
The AMA also disclosed that a verified album of 306 affected traders has already been compiled to guide future allocation, relocation and engagement arrangements.
According to the Assembly, some concerns being raised are linked to fears by some current occupants who are not original allottees that the redeveloped shops may be returned to legitimate owners after completion.
Musah Ziyad stressed that the redevelopment project is intended to improve trading conditions and not deprive traders of their livelihoods.
“The redevelopment project is not intended to deprive traders of their livelihoods, but rather to protect their long-term interests through affordable and properly planned trading spaces,” he emphasized.
The Assembly has therefore appealed to traders, market leaders and the general public to remain calm, cooperate with the Assembly and support the redevelopment process in the collective interest of Accra’s growth and development.
