Makola No.2 traders appeal for government intervention in rent hikes
Traders at the New Makola No. 2 Market have staged a protest over what they describe as unilateral rent increases, imposition of extra charges and poor management of the facility.
Clad in red attire at the market last week, the market men and women shut their shops, bringing trading activities in the enclave to a standstill.
With placards held, they marched around the market chanting and calling for government intervention.
Some of the inscriptions on the placards read: “We can’t pay gate fees into our own workplaces,” “We need urgent help from you, Mr President,” “Boosu why?” and “We can’t continue like this.”
The demonstration, which was confined to the market premises, drew the attention of passers-by and underscored the deep frustration among the traders.
Rent increments
Addressing the media, a statement read by Gifty Addae, a trader, on behalf of the leadership of the New Makola No. 2 Market Association (Gallow Way), said the conditions under which traders were operating had become increasingly difficult, unjust and unsustainable.
The association accused MMC Property Management Ltd, managers of the market, of imposing rent increments without consultation or justification.
She stated that rent for 2024 stood at GH¢95,848.44 inclusive of VAT, GETFund and NHIS levies, but was increased to GH¢120,343.04 in 2025.
They said a newly proposed rent of GH¢158,035.39 this year, representing nearly a 58 per cent increase was beyond their capacity to pay.
““This is too much of a cost burden on us and we cannot pay such an amount,” she said.
The traders maintained that the increments had not been accompanied by improvements in infrastructure, sanitation, security or other services within the market.
Extra charges
In addition to the rent hikes, the association cited the introduction of extra levies such as maintenance, sanitation, security and Common Area Management (CAM) fees, which they claimed were imposed without transparency.
They further alleged that a 20 per cent interest was being charged on rent arrears without their consent, and that VAT was being applied on arrears despite already being charged on the principal rent.
““Traders are not told how these fees are calculated.
We are not informed how the funds are used. We see no visible improvement that reflects the additional financial burden placed on us,” she said.
The traders said the lack of engagement had created tension, anxiety and dissatisfaction among members, many of whom were already grappling with high transportation costs, rising prices of goods and declining purchasing power of customers.
Poor infrastructure
The association also pointed to poor drainage, flooding during rains, inadequate sanitation facilities, ineffective waste disposal and poor lighting in parts of the market.
They said the market had suffered four major fire outbreaks in 1996, 2010, 2014 and 2018, with little rehabilitation undertaken.
They recalled that after the last fire incident, former First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo provided makeshift structures, which they said they continued to use.
They also expressed concern over the conversion of an early childhood education facility and the only clinic in the market into shops and warehouses.
Appeal
The traders indicated their intention to submit a petition to the President, appealing for urgent intervention.
However, executives of the association explained that the petition would be presented after the President’s upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), since he was scheduled to address the nation.
“We humbly appeal to the President to intervene urgently to halt the implementation of the unilateral rent increment,” she said.
They also appealed to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and other relevant authorities to intervene, suspend the rent increments and ensure meaningful consultation with trader representatives before any future adjustments.
“We are asking to be treated not as passive subjects, but as partners in the development and management of this market,” she added.
