Government suspends Agbogbloshie 24-hour market redevelopment

The government has put on hold plans to redevelop the Agbogbloshie 24-Hour Economy Market following concerns raised by traders over the proposed demolition of the existing market structure.

The temporary suspension is expected to create room for further discussions between the government, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), market leadership and other stakeholders on how the redevelopment can be carried out while addressing the concerns of existing traders.

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, announced the decision after engaging traders and leaders of the Kokomba Yam Market at Agbogbloshie together with the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, and the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey.

According to a Facebook post by the AMA on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Mr Ayariga said the pause would allow the government and stakeholders to assess conditions at the market and review the proposed redevelopment plans.

The engagement followed resistance from traders who opposed the proposed demolition of the existing facility to pave the way for a new 24-hour market.

The traders expressed concern about what they said was a lack of consultation before the redevelopment proposal was introduced. They also maintained that the leadership of the market had not been adequately engaged on plans concerning the future of the facility.

Mr Ayariga said the government would use the period to work with all relevant stakeholders to examine the proposed redevelopment and develop an arrangement that accommodates existing market operators while improving the infrastructure.

He explained that the 24-Hour Economy Market initiative was intended to improve market infrastructure across the country and not simply replace existing facilities without taking into account the commercial activities already taking place there.

The Minister said Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies had been tasked with developing improved market infrastructure as part of the broader initiative.

He added that the latest engagement was aimed at ensuring that any redevelopment of the Agbogbloshie market was informed by conditions on the ground and reflected the views and concerns of the affected stakeholders.