The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has rejected claims that traders and other stakeholders affected by the proposed 24-hour market at Agbogbloshie were not consulted before the project.

The Assembly said it had engaged traditional authorities, market leaders, traders, occupants and other stakeholders for more than three months ahead of the project.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the AMA said the consultations were led by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey.

It explained that the discussions focused on the design of the project, land requirements, the movement of traders, how existing businesses could continue operating and measures to reduce disruption to economic activities.

The Assembly said the consultations included the leadership of the Yam Market, Nzema Market and Cargo Station, among others.

According to the AMA, the Mayor on July 9, 2026, briefed the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, and the Ga Traditional Council on the proposed market, including its land requirements and implementation arrangements.

It said the Mayor subsequently met traders at Agbogbloshie on the same day and introduced the contractor who would be involved in the redevelopment.

The Assembly added that it met the leadership of the Agbogbloshie Yam Market on July 13 to discuss the proposed use of portions of the land currently occupied by the market.

On August 4, the AMA said it again met chiefs and traditional leaders at Agbogbloshie as part of the ongoing consultations under the 24-Hour Economy initiative.

Following that meeting, a nine-member committee was formed to oversee the relevant areas of the project, it added.

The Assembly said it later served a one-month notice, ending on August 31, to traders and occupants in portions of Agbogbloshie identified as part of the project site.

The AMA further disclosed that about four acres of land would be required for the full implementation of the 24-hour market project.

So far, it said, about 3.2 acres had been identified, including three plots covering approximately 0.48 acres within the existing Yam Market area.

The Assembly said the land requirement had been a major issue in its discussions with the Yam Market leadership.

It stressed that the project was not intended to arbitrarily displace traders, but that it was seeking practical arrangements that would allow the redevelopment to proceed while protecting the livelihoods of affected persons.

The AMA disclosed that representatives who took part in the stakeholder meetings received transportation allowances of not less than GH¢3,000 per meeting.

It said stakeholders used the meetings to raise concerns, seek clarification and make proposals on issues including land requirements, the movement of traders and the continuation of business activities.

According to the Assembly, stakeholders have so far agreed on the need for continued dialogue and cooperation throughout the implementation of the project.

It added that there was also an understanding that any arrangements affecting existing traders should be handled through direct engagement with their recognised leadership.

The AMA therefore rejected claims that affected stakeholders had been ignored or excluded from discussions.

It maintained that the record showed a consultation process spanning more than three months and involving several groups and individuals.

The Assembly said the proposed 24-hour market was expected to provide modern infrastructure, support extended commercial activity, improve sanitation and safety, better organise trading and create employment and other economic opportunities in Accra.

It said it would continue engaging the Yam Market leadership, affected traders, traditional authorities and other stakeholders before the main construction works begin.

The AMA urged the public to rely on official information from the Assembly rather than unverified claims about the project.

By: Jacob Aggrey