Tension is rising at the Ashaiman Main Market in the Greater Accra Region as traders stage protests against government plans to redevelop the congested facility into a modern 24-hour market, insisting that only a renovation and provision of utilities are required to protect their livelihoods.

The traders explained that the government should clarify its plans, warning that the project could lead to the displacement of their businesses and properties

Speaking during the protest, one trader pleaded with the government:

“All we want is for the government to renovate the market and provide basic utilities. Demolishing the market would not help us. If it is destroyed, how will we survive with our children? We have nowhere else to go. We are pleading with the government—please, we need renovation and proper services in the market,” he said.

Another trader pointed to similar redevelopment efforts in other markets, which have largely failed to benefit traders:

“At the old Mandela Market, many stores have been built, but very few are in use. We cannot afford to purchase them, and building stores will not help us. I sell plantain, and we cannot store it in a shop because it will spoil. All we are asking for is renovation of the existing market,” he said.

Another trader made a direct appeal to the president:

“Mr President, we beg you. In the name of God, we are pleading with you. We only need renovation. Nothing else. That is all we are asking for,” he said.

Leticia Ayaba, the Market Queen Mother of Ashaiman, said tensions had escalated because traders were not adequately consulted about the redevelopment plan.

She explained that she and other market leaders had met with the DCE to raise concerns, but no concrete engagement followed.

According to her, based on this lack of consultation, traders felt their voices were ignored, prompting them to take to the streets to protest and demand clarity from the authorities about their future.

The proposed redevelopment, according to the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly, forms part of a broader market transformation agenda promised by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2024 general elections.