Government puts Agbogbloshie 24-hour economy market redevelopment on hold
Story by: Regina Bless
The government has temporarily put on hold the proposed redevelopment of the Agbogbloshie 24-Hour Economy Market to allow for further consultations with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), market leaders and other stakeholders.
The decision was announced on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, during an engagement with the leadership and traders of the Yam Market at Agbogbloshie.
The Minister was joined by the Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, and the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, for the engagement.
According to Hon. Ayariga, the temporary suspension will provide an opportunity for the government and the AMA to assess the conditions on the ground, review the proposed redevelopment plan and agree with stakeholders on a practical arrangement that protects existing market operators while improving the area.
He explained that the government’s objective under the 24-Hour Economy Market initiative is to improve market infrastructure across the country, rather than simply construct new facilities without considering existing commercial activities.
The Minister said Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies had been directed to develop improved market infrastructure, adding that the Agbogbloshie engagement was intended to bring all relevant parties together to determine the most appropriate redevelopment approach for Accra.
He stressed that constructing a new market that merely displaces an existing market would not provide a comprehensive solution. Instead, he said, the redevelopment should, as much as possible, accommodate traders and businesses already operating within the enclave.
Hon. Ayariga further noted that the standard design for the 24-Hour Economy Market programme could be modified to reflect the specific circumstances of Accra. The consultations, he said, would examine the project’s scope, estimated cost and funding requirements.
He added that the design could be reconfigured or expanded where necessary to accommodate more traders, with additional funding potentially considered to support a larger redevelopment project.
The Minister cited the approach being adopted in Kumasi, where the intervention is reportedly being adapted to improve and complete an existing market rather than strictly applying the standard 24-Hour Economy Market design.
He said Accra would similarly require a solution based on the realities on the ground rather than automatically adopting a uniform design used in other districts.
A representative of the market welcomed the government’s decision to continue consultations, stating that traders support development that would improve conditions within the enclave.
The market leadership also expressed its readiness to work with the AMA and the relevant ministries to reach an agreement on a redevelopment plan that would modernise the area while protecting the interests of existing market operators.
The consultations are expected to guide the next phase of the proposed Agbogbloshie market redevelopment.