Bimbilla Member of Parliament (MP), Dominic Nitiwul, has cautioned President John Mahama against allowing the planned demolition of parts of the Agbogbloshie Market to go ahead, warning that the decision could have serious political consequences for the government.
According to the former Defence Minister, allowing the proposed demolition to proceed could be politically damaging to President Mahama and the governing administration.
“It will be politically suicidal for the president to allow the mayor to touch and to do what he is thinking of doing. I will not expand on that, but we are saying that what we saw is not a good thing,” Nitiwul said in a video shared on X.
Nitiwul Supports 24-Hour Economy Market
Nitiwul stressed that his concerns should not be interpreted as opposition to the government’s 24-hour economy policy or plans to establish a 24-hour market in Accra.
He explained that there is no objection to the construction of a modern 24-hour market as part of the government’s economic development agenda.
“Nobody is asking that we don’t want a 24-hour market. No, far from that,” he said.
However, the Bimbilla MP argued that the Konkomba Yam Market has a distinct commercial purpose and should not simply be treated as part of the proposed 24-hour market project.
He noted that the market primarily serves traders involved in the sale and distribution of yam, making its activities different from those expected at the planned 24-hour economy market.
“But the Konkomba yam market where they sell purely yam is totally different from the activities of the 24-hour market,” Nitiwul stated.
AMA Issues Demolition Notices
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has issued notices to occupants of sections of Agbogbloshie, including parts of the Konkomba Yam Market, to vacate the area.
The affected portions are expected to make way for the proposed 24-hour economy market, one of the initiatives linked to the government’s broader efforts to expand economic activity and create opportunities through extended business operations.
The planned redevelopment has generated concerns over the future of traders operating within the affected areas, particularly those whose businesses depend on the Konkomba Yam Market.
The development is expected to remain a major issue in discussions surrounding the 24-hour economy policy, Agbogbloshie redevelopment, market demolition and the government’s urban development plans in Accra.
Source: newsthemegh.com