Traders at the Ashaiman Main Market in the Greater Accra Region have protested against government plans to redevelop the market into a modern 24-hour facility, citing fears of losing their stalls and livelihoods. The proposed project, being spearheaded by the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly as part of a broader market transformation agenda, has heightened tensions among market women and men who say they were not adequately consulted.
Some traders have warned they will resist any attempt to evict them, stressing that displacement would worsen their already difficult economic conditions. In response, the Ashaiman Municipal Chief Executive, Freeman Tsekpo, has assured traders that no one will be displaced after the redevelopment, emphasizing that the project will be fully funded by the state and not handed over to private developers.
The MCE further indicated that alternative trading spaces will be provided during the construction period to ensure business continuity. He also pledged continuous engagement with market leadership and announced plans for a comprehensive data collection exercise to identify legitimate stall and shop owners, assuring that all affected traders will be returned to their original positions upon completion of the project.