The government has put its proposed redevelopment of the Agbogbloshie 24-Hour Economy Market on hold following resistance from traders over plans to demolish the existing facility.
The temporary suspension is expected to create room for further consultations among the government, Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), market leaders and traders before a final redevelopment arrangement is agreed.
Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, announced the decision after joining the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, and the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, for an engagement with traders and leaders of the Kokomba Yam Market at Agbogbloshie.
The engagement was triggered by concerns from traders who opposed the proposed demolition of the existing market to pave the way for a new 24-hour facility.
The traders argued that they had not been adequately consulted before the redevelopment plans were introduced and expressed concern about what the demolition would mean for their businesses and livelihoods.
Mr Ayariga said the government had consequently decided to pause the redevelopment process to allow the various stakeholders to examine the situation on the ground and agree on a workable approach.
He explained that the review would seek to ensure that the interests and concerns of existing market operators were incorporated into the redevelopment plans.
The Minister stressed that the government’s 24-Hour Economy Market initiative was intended to improve market infrastructure and not simply replace existing facilities without taking into account the commercial activities already taking place at those locations.
He said the government recognised the importance of existing markets and the businesses operating from them and therefore wanted the redevelopment process to be informed by consultations with stakeholders.
Mr Ayariga also indicated that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies had been tasked with developing improved market infrastructure under the broader 24-Hour Economy initiative.
The latest decision means further work on the proposed Agbogbloshie redevelopment will depend on the outcome of consultations between the government, the AMA, market leadership and traders.
The government is expected to use the consultations to determine how the proposed modern market can be developed while accommodating the concerns of traders and preserving the commercial activities that currently take place at the site.
The engagement forms part of efforts to align the 24-Hour Economy Market programme with conditions on the ground and the needs of communities where the projects are being implemented.
