AMA sets record straight on Agbogbloshie 24-Hour market project
Story by: Regina Bless
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has rejected claims that stakeholders affected by the proposed 24-Hour Market project at Agbogbloshie have been ignored or excluded from consultations.
The Assembly said it has undertaken more than three months of stakeholder engagements to discuss the proposed development and address concerns relating to land requirements, the movement of traders, continuity of businesses and measures to minimise disruption to livelihoods.
The engagements, led by the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, have involved traditional authorities, market leaders, traders, occupants within the project area and other relevant stakeholders, including the leadership of the Yam Market, Nzema Market and Cargo Station.
According to the AMA, the consultations are aimed at building consensus and ensuring that the concerns of affected persons are considered before the commencement of major physical works.
Key Stakeholder Engagements
On July 9, 2026, Mayor Allotey briefed the Ga Mantse, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, and the Ga Traditional Council on the proposed market, its land requirements and implementation arrangements.
Following the meeting, the Mayor engaged traders at Agbogbloshie, introduced the contractor and provided further information on the redevelopment project.
On July 13, 2026, the AMA met with the leadership of the Agbogbloshie Yam Market at City Hall to discuss the proposed siting of the project on portions of land currently occupied by the market.
Further consultations were held on August 4, 2026, when the Assembly met chiefs and traditional leaders at Agbogbloshie. A nine-member committee was subsequently constituted to oversee key areas of the engagement and implementation process.
Following these engagements, the Assembly served a one-month notice ending August 31, 2026, to traders and occupants within portions of Agbogbloshie identified as part of the project site.
Land Requirements
The AMA clarified that approximately four acres of land are required for the full implementation of the 24-Hour Market project.
So far, approximately 3.2 acres have been identified for the development, including three plots equivalent to about 0.48 acres within the existing Yam Market area.
The Assembly said the issue has been a key part of discussions with the leadership of the Yam Market, stressing that the project is not intended to arbitrarily displace traders.
Instead, the AMA said it is working towards practical arrangements that will allow the project to proceed while protecting the legitimate interests and livelihoods of affected traders.
Stakeholders Supported to Participate
The Assembly further disclosed that representatives who participated in the stakeholder engagements were provided with transportation allowances of not less than GH¢3,000 per meeting to facilitate their participation.
The consultations, according to the AMA, gave stakeholders the opportunity to raise concerns, seek clarification and make proposals concerning land requirements, relocation, business continuity and the orderly implementation of the project.
The Assembly said the parties have agreed on the need for continued dialogue and cooperation throughout the implementation process.
It added that arrangements affecting existing traders should be handled in an orderly manner through direct engagement with recognised leadership, while project-related information should continue to be communicated through established stakeholder structures.
AMA Urges Public to Rely on Official Information
Against this background, the AMA has rejected claims that affected stakeholders were excluded from discussions on the proposed 24-Hour Market.
The Assembly maintained that the record shows a sustained consultation process involving several engagements over a period exceeding three months.
It reiterated its commitment to implementing the redevelopment in a transparent and orderly manner, with consideration for the livelihoods of persons operating within the project area.
The proposed 24-Hour Market is expected to provide modern infrastructure for extended commercial activity, improve sanitation and safety, better organise trading and create employment and other economic opportunities in Accra.
The AMA said it will continue engaging the Yam Market leadership, affected traders, traditional authorities and other relevant stakeholders ahead of the commencement of the main construction works.
The Assembly has consequently urged the public to rely on official information from the AMA and avoid unverified claims that could create unnecessary anxiety and speculation surrounding the project.