The Greater Accra Regional Security Council says it has sanctioned joint police and a military task force stationed at Agbogbloshie market for the next seven days as it relocates onion sellers to Adjen Kotoku.

This is to ensure no trader returns to the enclave following their relocation on Thursday, July 1.

The traders were finally moved following a two-decade struggle to relocate them to Adjen Kotoku.

The decongestion of the market is part of the minister’s ‘Accra Must Work Campaign’. Regional Minister, Henry Quartey who also chairs the Council, told Joy News the joint security task force is on the grounds to maintain order until the exercise is completed.

“It was supposed to take four-days. But the security officers will be here for about a week. This is to ensure that we complete the relocation exercise once and for all”, he told Joy News.

He admitted that there was an initial resistance, but was impressed that the traders are adhering to the directive adding that no one will be allowed to return to the place.

“You know when I started this thing, everybody said it cannot happen. But please read my lips, no one is coming back here. It is done”, he said.

Pushback by Scrap Dealers

Earlier, the police fired tear gas and warning shots to disperse a rioting group of scrap dealers who were opposing the relocation exercise.

The Operation’s Commander, DSP Kwesi Ofori, told JoyNews that the crowd controlling strategies implemented were necessitated due to some “criminal elements” who tried to disrupt normal business in the area.

He said the joint security task force was sent to the Market to ensure peace and protect the traders and their belongings from thieves.

He said “it is a peaceful exercise that has been discussed and planned regarding the evacuation of onion traders from Agbogbloshie to Adjen Kotoku.

"The market women have fully cooperated, and they are not even here currently because they are even setting up at Adjen Kotoku. But some criminal elements want to take advantage of the situation to mar the operation”.