The government has suspended the planned demolition of sections of the 31st December Makola Market in Accra after angry traders staged protests against what they described as a forced eviction exercise without adequate consultation and relocation arrangements.
The decision follows days of growing tension at the market, where traders openly resisted plans by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to redevelop parts of the commercial enclave.
Hundreds of traders reportedly gathered at the market over the weekend, demanding answers from city authorities and insisting they would not leave their shops unless proper engagement and compensation measures were put in place.
Videos circulating on social media showed emotional scenes as traders accused authorities of attempting to remove them abruptly despite many operating in the market for decades.
Following the public backlash, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, visited the market on Saturday on the instructions of President John Dramani Mahama to engage the affected traders directly.
Addressing the traders during the engagement, the minister announced that the government had decided to halt the planned demolition exercise while further consultations continue.
“I will not urge the Monday demolition to commence. We will not rush to carry out any action because there are many issues involved,” she stated.
She further assured the traders that the government would return to the negotiating table to review concerns raised by the market women and shop owners.
“Once we sit down, talk, and reach a common understanding, we will be in a better position to proceed,” she added.
According to her, President Mahama had instructed her to assess the grievances of the traders and work with city authorities to find a peaceful solution.
“Yes, we are going back to the drawing board. I came here on the instructions of John Dramani Mahama,” Agnes Naa Momo Lartey told the traders.
The traders, while welcoming the suspension, maintained that they are not opposed to development but want authorities to properly consider the economic impact of any relocation exercise.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, Ebenezer Birikorang said many business owners have invested their entire livelihoods in the market and could suffer severe losses if displaced without proper planning.
“We have never said we are against development but where there are human costs, there must also be dialogue,” he stressed.
Government officials say further stakeholder consultations will now take place before any new decision is made regarding the redevelopment exercise.
