Government has suspended plans to demolish sections of Makola Market for redevelopment following strong resistance from traders who say the exercise could threaten their livelihoods and businesses.
The decision follows a protest by traders who petitioned authorities to reconsider what they described as a forceful eviction from the market, citing inadequate consultation ahead of the planned demolition.
The traders argued that many livelihoods stand to be affected if the redevelopment proceeds without clear engagement, relocation arrangements, and a mutually agreed roadmap.
Following discussions after a visit to the market, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey said government has put the demolition exercise on hold while consultations continue with the affected traders.
Addressing the traders during her visit, the Minister said the concerns raised would be reviewed carefully before any further action is taken. She assured the traders that government was committed to dialogue and would use the coming days to engage all stakeholders to find a common ground.
She urged all parties to remain calm and avoid actions that could escalate tensions, stressing that the issues raised by the traders appeared genuine and deserved proper consideration.
The traders, while insisting that proper consultations should have preceded the redevelopment plan, welcomed the Minister’s intervention and described the engagement as a positive step.
