The government has put plans to redevelop the Agbogbloshie 24-Hour Economy Market on hold following concerns raised by traders over the proposed demolition of the existing market structure.
The pause is intended to create room for further consultations involving the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), market leadership, and other stakeholders to reach a redevelopment plan that takes the needs of existing market operators into account.
According to a Facebook post by the AMA on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, said the temporary suspension would allow authorities to assess the conditions on the ground and reconsider the proposed development.
He made the announcement after joining the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, and the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, in discussions with the leadership and traders of the Kokomba Yam Market at Agbogbloshie.
The meeting came after traders opposed plans to demolish the existing market to make way for a new 24-hour market.
The traders raised concerns about the process, saying they had not been consulted before the redevelopment proposal was presented. They also maintained that the market’s leadership had not been involved in discussions about the future of the facility.
Explaining the government’s decision, Mahama Ayariga said the pause would allow all relevant parties to jointly assess the proposed redevelopment and agree on a practical arrangement that would accommodate existing market operators while improving infrastructure in the area.
He emphasised that the government’s objective under the 24-Hour Economy Market initiative was to improve market infrastructure nationwide, rather than build new facilities without taking existing commercial activities into consideration.
The Minister further noted that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies had been instructed to improve market infrastructure as part of the broader initiative.
He said the latest engagement was therefore intended to ensure that the redevelopment of the Agbogbloshie market reflected conditions on the ground and considered the views of stakeholders.
