Agbogbloshie Traders Plead with AMA to Extend Relocation Deadline

Traders at Agbogbloshie have appealed to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to reconsider its August 28, 2026, deadline for them to vacate sections of the market slated for redevelopment.

While the traders say they are not opposed to the renovation and upgrading of the market, they are calling for proper engagement, adequate notice, and clear relocation plans to protect their livelihoods.

In interviews with GhanaWeb on Thursday, August 13, 2026, several traders expressed anxiety over the uncertainty surrounding the project and its potential impact on their businesses.

Not All Traders Affected

One trader clarified that the demolition would not affect the entire market. “I am not part of the affected traders. They are not demolishing the whole market; they are taking part of it,” he said.

Another trader acknowledged that improvements were long overdue, particularly due to perennial flooding at the market. “Whenever it rains, this place gets flooded. If it rains and a customer wants to come and buy something, they cannot access the market. So, we agree that the market needs to be renovated,” she said.

Objections to 24-Hour Economy Plan

However, some traders voiced strong opposition to the AMA’s proposal to turn the redeveloped area into a 24-hour economy market. “The AMA wants to renovate the place, but we do not want any 24-hour economy market at Agbogbloshie. We do not want it here. He can take it elsewhere. We at the Nzema Market do not want it, and we appeal to him to rescind the decision,” one trader stated.

Calls for Clear Relocation Plan

For many affected traders, the main grievance is not the redevelopment itself but the lack of prior consultation and clarity on where they will be moved to.

“Development is good, but the problem is that we should have been informed in advance. Where are we going to relocate to? We need enough time, and there should be a list of the affected traders for relocation,” a trader said.

Another pleaded with the government to reconsider, emphasising that many have depended on the market for their livelihoods for years. “We voted for the NDC, and we have been trading here for a very long time. We want the government to rescind its decision because we have nowhere to go,” she said.

Traders Demand Further Engagement

The traders are calling for more dialogue with the AMA and the government before the August 28 deadline, insisting that a well-communicated relocation plan is essential to prevent them from losing their sources of income.

While they support the need for development at Agbogbloshie, the traders maintain that the process must take their welfare and concerns into consideration.