Traders at Makola No. 2 Market have closed their shops in protest against what they describe as exploitative rent charges and a newly imposed 20 per cent levy on their premises.
The demonstration, which began in the early hours of Thursday, February 26, disrupted trading activities at the busy commercial hub in Accra. The affected property is reportedly owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), where many of the traders say they have operated for more than 30 years.
The traders argue that the revised rent conditions are excessive and threaten their livelihoods. According to some of them, annual rent payments have jumped significantly without any corresponding renovations or improvements to the facility.
One trader stated in an interview that while they paid GH₵25,000 for the entire year in 2025, they are now being asked to pay GH₵36,000 — an increase of GH₵11,000.
The protesters say the action is intended to draw the attention of authorities to what they consider unsustainable financial demands, warning that without urgent intervention, many businesses could be forced to shut down permanently.
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