'We are not targeting Konkombas over Agbogbloshie 24-Hour Market project' — AMA rejects Nitiwul's claims

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has dismissed claims that the Konkomba community is being singled out in plans to redevelop parts of Agbogbloshie into a proposed 24-Hour Market.

The Assembly said the redevelopment plan followed more than three months of consultations involving traditional authorities, market leaders, traders and other occupants within the affected area.

According to the AMA, the engagements have focused on issues including the land required for the project, the relocation of traders and steps to reduce the impact of the redevelopment on existing businesses.

The clarification comes after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority in Parliament accused the Assembly of selectively marking shops and residential structures occupied by members of the Konkomba community for demolition while other parts of Agbogbloshie remained unaffected.

The Bimbilla Member of Parliament and former Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul, led the Minority caucus on an inspection of the area and described the alleged development as discriminatory. He subsequently appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to halt the proposed demolition.

Mr Nitiwul also alleged that the AMA had not adequately consulted traders before proceeding with the redevelopment plans.

But in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 16, the AMA said its consultation process started on July 9, when the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, engaged the Ga Mantse and the Ga Traditional Council on the proposed project.

The Assembly said it subsequently met with traders at Agbogbloshie, the leadership of the Yam Market and traditional leaders. Those engagements resulted in the establishment of a nine-member committee to facilitate further consultations.

The AMA said the project requires about four acres of land, of which 3.2 acres have so far been identified. It said 0.48 acres of the identified area falls within the existing Yam Market.

Following the identification of the required land, the Assembly said a one-month notice ending August 31 was issued to traders and other occupants operating within portions of the project area.

The AMA maintained that the redevelopment was not designed to arbitrarily remove traders from the area, stressing that engagement with affected stakeholders would continue throughout the implementation process.

It said separate discussions had also taken place with the leadership and representatives of the Yam Market concerning the portion of land that would be affected by the project.

According to the Assembly, the stakeholders have reached an understanding on the importance of maintaining dialogue and consultation as the redevelopment progresses.

It added that matters affecting existing traders would be addressed through direct discussions with their recognised leadership, while significant project decisions would be communicated through established stakeholder structures.

“The proposed 24-Hour Market is expected to provide modern infrastructure to support extended commercial activity, improve sanitation and safety, better organise trading, and create employment and economic opportunities in Accra,” the statement added.