The traders who are occupying low-rise commercial stores at the Central Business District’s (CBD) Makola Market have asked the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to stop operations by the second week of January 2026 so that a significant renovation project may begin.
As part of continuing deliberations on the plan for transforming the market into a contemporary, multi-use commercial center, the AMA met with representatives of the traders on Tuesday and made the decision. The meeting was presided over by Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, the mayor of Accra.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be drafted to commit all parties to the agreed schedule, Mayor Allotey said after agreeing to the traders’ petition.
He emphasized that the project was a component of his plan to leave a lasting legacy for the city and clarified that the Memorandum of Understanding would guarantee mutual accountability and clarity on the January pledge.
“If I am able to manage the city well and keep it clean, posterity will judge me, we have all agreed to the January deadline, and I will make sure we all adhere to it. Let your yes be your yes and your no be your no,” he said.
In order to alleviate chronic congestion, increase trading space, and improve safety and cleanliness in the central business district, Mayor Allotey reaffirmed that the Makola Market would be transformed into a high-rise multipurpose facility.
“The project will create more trading spaces for displaced traders and free up pedestrian walkways and access roads currently obstructed by informal trading activities,” he said.
Throughout the process, Mayor Allotey reassured traders that the Assembly was dedicated to openness and justice, emphasizing that a thorough data collection exercise would be carried out to record the information of all impacted traders, including Ghana.
When allocating new spaces, card information, photos, and shop records are used to make sure that the proper tenants are given priority.
In order to give updates and address any new issues before the January deadline, the mayor promised that frequent meetings would be held with the traders and other interested parties.
The Member of Parliament for Odododiodio also attended the meeting and thanked the Mayor for his willingness to listen and his dedication to communication.
He described adherence to the agreement as a test of trust and honesty and expressed his hope that the traders will meet their own deadline.
“We must build trust and integrity, you will disgrace me if you don’t adhere to the agreement, and if that happens, I will not plead for anyone,” the MP stated.
Source: newsthemegh.com