The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has given traders, commercial operators and other occupants on designated portions of Agbogbloshie, popularly known as the Nzema Market, a one-month notice to vacate the area to make way for the construction of a new 24-Hour Economy Market.
The notice, which was formally issued on Tuesday, is expected to expire on August 28, 2026. After the deadline, the AMA says it will begin removing structures located within the portions of land earmarked for the redevelopment project.
The redevelopment forms part of efforts to support Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy policy, improve market infrastructure and create a more organised commercial environment for traders and businesses in Accra.
Agbogbloshie traders to be relocated
Traders and commercial operators affected by the planned redevelopment include occupants of the Agbogbloshie Cargo Station, Nzema Market and sections of the Yam Market.
According to the AMA, the affected persons will be relocated to an alternative parcel of land that has been prepared specifically to accommodate them during the redevelopment process.
The one-month notice follows extensive consultations between the Assembly and key stakeholders, including traditional authorities, market leaders, traders and other representatives within the affected communities.
As part of the initial exercise, AMA personnel marked structures located on the designated portions of land to identify properties that will be affected by the planned demolition and redevelopment.
AMA begins public education campaign
The Assembly is also scheduled to begin a public education and sensitisation campaign from Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
The campaign is expected to provide traders, community leaders and members of the public with information about the Agbogbloshie redevelopment project, its expected benefits, the clearance exercise and arrangements for relocating affected traders.
The AMA says the engagement is intended to ensure that residents and businesses understand the reasons behind the redevelopment and the steps being taken to minimise disruption to affected persons.
Stakeholder consultations influenced deadline
Speaking after the marking exercise, the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, commended security personnel and members of the AMA Task Force for their efforts in carrying out the operation.
The Mayor explained that the stakeholder consultation process began with discussions involving the Ga Traditional Council.
The Assembly subsequently invited other key stakeholders, including chiefs from Old Fadama, leaders of the Yam Market, Cargo Station, Nzema Market and the wider Agbogbloshie Market community, to its head office for further discussions.
The consultations focused on the proposed 24-Hour Economy Market, the redevelopment of the area and plans to relocate affected traders and commercial operators.
Mr Allotey disclosed that the AMA had initially proposed giving affected occupants only two weeks to vacate the designated area. However, the deadline was extended to one month after traditional leaders raised concerns and requested additional time during the stakeholder consultations.
The AMA is therefore urging all affected traders and occupants to take advantage of the notice period and prepare for relocation ahead of the August 28, 2026 deadline.
The redevelopment of Agbogbloshie is expected to contribute to improved market infrastructure, better urban planning and the broader implementation of Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy initiative.
Source: newsthemegh.com