The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has engaged chiefs and traditional leaders at Agbogbloshie on the proposed redevelopment of the market under the Government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative.

The engagement formed part of ongoing stakeholder consultations by the Assembly to brief traditional leaders on the scope of the project, address concerns raised by the community, and seek their support ahead of its implementation.

Speaking during the meeting, the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey said the Assembly was committed to ensuring that the redevelopment was carried out through extensive consultation, dialogue, and mutual understanding.

He acknowledged the concerns raised by the chiefs and members of the community and assured them that the Assembly would continue to engage all affected stakeholders before construction work commenced.

The Mayor said the Assembly would not use its authority to intimidate, threaten, or unfairly displace traders and residents whose livelihoods could be affected by the project.

He explained that the redevelopment had been delayed for several years due to legal challenges and other setbacks but indicated that the Assembly was taking steps to resolve the outstanding issues to pave the way for its implementation.

According to him, the redevelopment was intended to improve trading conditions, enhance sanitation and safety, create a more organised commercial environment, and support the Government’s broader objective of promoting a 24-hour economy.

He said the Assembly recognised the economic importance of the market to traders, residents, and communities within Agbogbloshie and Old Fadama and would therefore ensure that their interests were properly considered throughout the implementation process.

The Presiding Member of the AMA, Hon. Musah Ziyad explained that the initial scope of the proposed project would have affected both the Nzema Market and the adjoining Yam Market.

The Presiding Member appealed to traders, residents, and traditional authorities to support the initiative, describing it as an important intervention that could contribute significantly to the long-term development of Agbogbloshie and Old Fadama.

He said the project was expected to provide improved market infrastructure, better waste management systems, enhanced accessibility, increased security, and a more conducive environment for commercial activities.

The traditional authorities, in their response, appealed to the Assembly to ensure that traders who would be affected by the redevelopment were properly resettled or adequately compensated before construction began.

The chiefs therefore urged the Assembly to develop and communicate a clear resettlement and livelihood restoration plan to minimise the economic and social impact of the project on affected traders.