The government has temporarily suspended the redevelopment of the Agbogbloshie 24-Hour Economy Market to allow for further consultations with traders, market leaders and other stakeholders.
The decision was announced by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, following an engagement with traders and leadership of the Yam Market at Agbogbloshie on Wednesday, September 23. The meeting was also attended by Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe and Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey.
The temporary suspension follows resistance from traders who had raised concerns about plans to demolish parts of the existing market to make way for the proposed 24-hour facility. Some traders said they had not been adequately consulted about the redevelopment plans.
Mr Ayariga said the pause would give the government and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) an opportunity to assess conditions on the ground, review the proposed design and agree on a practical arrangement that takes existing businesses into account.
The Minister stressed that the government’s objective under the 24-Hour Economy initiative is to improve market infrastructure rather than undertake redevelopment without considering existing commercial activities.
The latest development comes after the AMA previously said it had conducted more than three months of consultations with traditional authorities, market leaders, traders and other stakeholders. The Assembly said those engagements covered issues including land requirements, relocation and the continuity of businesses.
