Ashaiman market traders protest proposed redevelopment of main market
Traders at the Ashaiman Main Market have staged a protest against the government’s proposed redevelopment of the facility into a modern 24-hour market, expressing fears that the project could displace them and threaten their livelihoods.
The traders insisted they were not opposed to development but wanted clear explanations of the project and firm assurances that their welfare would be protected before any demolition was undertaken.
They argued that without proper consultation and guarantees, the redevelopment could leave many traders without stalls or alternative sources of income.
Protest
The protest, held last Tuesday, drew scores of market women and traders who said the proposed project could result in the loss of their stalls and properties.
According to them, such an outcome would worsen their economic situation, especially for those who depend solely on daily market sales to support their families.
Speaking during the protest, several traders emphasised that what they urgently needed was the renovation of the existing market infrastructure, not a complete demolition.
They called for the provision of basic utilities such as water, electricity, proper drainage and improved sanitation to enhance their working conditions.
“What we want the government to do for us now is renovation and utilities in the market.
Demolishing the market will not help us.
If they demolish the market, how are we going to live our lives?
We have nowhere to go,” one trader said.
Concerns
The traders cited previous redevelopment projects, including the Old Mandela Market and areas near the Old Station, as cautionary examples.
According to them, those markets were demolished and replaced with modern stores that remain largely unoccupied because traders cannot afford the rent or purchase costs.
“They demolished the markets, built stores and now the stores are empty because we don’t have money to rent or buy them.
We don’t want that situation here,” another trader lamented.
Some traders also explained that the nature of their businesses does not suit enclosed shops.
A plantain seller noted that selling certain food items in closed stores could lead to spoilage and losses.
“I sell plantain. We cannot sell plantain in a store; it will spoil. We don’t need stores. We just want the market renovated the way it is,” the trader said.
The traders appealed to the President and other relevant authorities to listen to their concerns and protect their livelihoods.
“Mr President, we are begging you in the name of God. We don’t need demolition. We only need renovation, nothing else.”
The Queenmother of the Ashaiman Market, Leticia Ayaba, also threw her support behind the traders.
She called on the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly to engage market stakeholders fully and adopt a development approach that would not displace hardworking traders or worsen their economic conditions.
Assembly’s response
Reacting to the protest, the Ashaiman Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Freeman Tsekpo, assured traders that the proposed 24-hour economy market would be inclusive and flexible enough to accommodate all market women and traders.
He explained that the project would adopt an open-floor concept, with the final layout determined by the size of the available land to ensure efficient use of space.
According to him, the initial design projects between 340 and 396 sheds, but the consultant has confirmed that the market is expandable.
“Open spaces can accommodate more traders than fixed sheds.
The key objective is to provide shelter.
What traders need most is protection from the weather, and that is what this project seeks to address,” Mr Tsekpo said.
He linked the initiative to the 24-hour economy policy being championed by President John Dramani Mahama, describing it as a step toward boosting economic activity and improving trading conditions.
He cited markets such as Kotokuraba and Kejetia as successful examples.
The MCE assured traders that continuous dialogue would guide the project’s implementation.
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