The Accra Metropolitan Assembly has denied claims that traders at the 31st December Makola Market are being forcefully removed from their shops to pave the way for a redevelopment project.
At a press conference in Accra, the Presiding Member of the Assembly, Musah Ziyad, said the exercise was part of a planned redevelopment programme aimed at expanding trading space in the capital.
Mr Ziyad, speaking alongside elected and appointed Assembly Members, said the existing one storey material stores building would be replaced with a modern four storey market complex. He said the project was intended to create more space for traders operating on roadsides, pavements and other unauthorised areas within the Central Business District.
He rejected claims that traders had not been consulted, saying the Assembly had held several meetings and engagements with traders, shop owners and market leaders before the project began.
According to him, the redevelopment forms part of measures introduced by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, to decongest the city through the AMA’s red line policy.
Mr Ziyad said the General Assembly approved the redevelopment plan on 30 June 2025 as part of efforts to create affordable trading spaces for petty traders who could not afford expensive shops in the city.
He said the material stores near the Ghana National Fire Service Metro Station were among the first locations selected for redevelopment.
The Presiding Member added that occupants of the affected stores were formally informed about the project during a stakeholder meeting held on 27 August 2025.
He said temporary arrangements had been made to relocate affected traders to the Community Centre area to allow construction work to begin.
Mr Ziyad also disclosed that the Assembly had compiled a verified list of 306 traders occupying the affected area, including those operating around the project zone, to support future relocation and allocation processes.
He said traders had been assured of allocation after the project was completed, while existing store occupants would receive discounts on rent payments.
According to him, recognised shop owners and legitimate allottees would be given priority during the allocation process.
Mr Ziyad said the Mayor had also extended the relocation deadline from October 2025 to 12 January 2026 after appeals from traders for more time.
He maintained that the Assembly remained committed to fairness, continuous engagement and protecting the livelihoods of traders while pursuing a safer and more organised market system in Accra.
