The Ghanaian government has temporarily halted plans to redevelop the Agbogbloshie 24-Hour Economy Market in Accra. This decision allows for further consultations with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, market leadership, and other stakeholders. The move comes after resistance from traders and market women who would be affected by the demolition of the existing market.
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, announced the suspension on September 23, 2026. He was accompanied by the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, and the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, during a meeting with traders and market leadership at Agbogbloshie. The engagement aimed to address concerns and gather input from those who would be impacted by the redevelopment plans.
According to Minister Ayariga, the government's primary objective is to improve market infrastructure nationwide while considering existing commercial activities. The 24-Hour Economy Market initiative aims to upgrade market facilities, but the minister emphasized that redevelopment should not lead to the displacement of current market operators. To achieve this, the government has directed local assemblies to develop improved market infrastructure.
The proposed redevelopment plan will undergo review and revision based on stakeholder input. The consultations will cover the project's scope, cost, and required funding. Minister Ayariga noted that the standard design for the 24-Hour Economy Market programme can be modified to suit Accra's specific circumstances. This flexibility will enable the government to accommodate more traders and consider additional funding if necessary.
The Kumasi project serves as an example of adapting the 24-Hour Economy Market initiative to local conditions. In Kumasi, the intervention focuses on improving and completing an existing market rather than strictly adhering to the standard design. Minister Ayariga cited this example to demonstrate the government's willingness to adapt its plans to suit local needs.
The Agbogbloshie market redevelopment plans have been put on hold to ensure that all stakeholders are consulted and that their concerns are addressed. This move demonstrates the government's commitment to engaging with those affected by its initiatives. By engaging with traders and market women, the government aims to find a solution that balances its objectives with the needs of the market operators.
The suspension of the Agbogbloshie market redevelopment plans allows for a more comprehensive review of the project. This review will consider the concerns of all stakeholders, including traders, market women, and local authorities. The outcome of these consultations will inform the revised redevelopment plan, which aims to improve market infrastructure while minimizing disruptions to existing commercial activities.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has suspended plans to redevelop the Agbogbloshie 24-Hour Economy Market to allow for further stakeholder consultations.
- The consultations will review and revise the proposed redevelopment plan, considering the project's scope, cost, and required funding.
- The government aims to adapt its plans to local conditions, as seen in the Kumasi project, which modified the standard design to improve an existing market.
