The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has stepped into the growing dispute over the planned demolition at the 31st December Makola Market, calling on the Accra Metropolitan Assembly to suspend the exercise and allow room for dialogue.
Her intervention follows mounting concerns from traders who claim they were not adequately consulted and have not been provided with alternative spaces to continue their businesses before the planned redevelopment begins.
Speaking to journalists after meeting market leaders, Dr. Lartey said while development projects often come with challenges, government must ensure that the burden is not unfairly placed on any one group.
“There’s no place that you can have development that there will not be discomfort, but we don’t want one side to shoulder all the discomfort,” she said.
She stressed the need for compromise between city authorities and traders, insisting that redevelopment should not come at the expense of livelihoods.
When asked directly whether she was requesting a temporary halt to the demolition exercise, the Minister responded in the affirmative, saying meaningful engagement must take place before any action proceeds.
“Yes, that is what I’m saying now. That it would be good that we sit and listen to each other,” she stated.
Dr. Lartey also urged all parties to approach negotiations calmly and avoid misinformation, warning that some individuals may seek to exploit the situation for personal gain.
According to her, discussions have already begun with Accra Metropolitan Assembly officials, including the Mayor of Accra, and she expressed confidence that dialogue could help ease tensions.
She noted that delaying the demolition for a few days to allow consultations would not derail the broader redevelopment plans.
The Minister added that while concerns about future shop allocations and traders’ long-term livelihoods are valid, immediate efforts are focused on resolving the current impasse through negotiation.
Her intervention is expected to bring temporary relief to traders who have been demanding clarity over their future as redevelopment plans for one of Accra’s busiest commercial hubs move forward.
