AMA Maintains One-Month Ultimatum For Agbogbloshie Traders Over 24-Hour Market Plans

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) is standing by its one-month ultimatum requiring traders and other occupants to vacate portions of land at Agbogbloshie earmarked for a proposed 24-Hour Economy Market.

The decision comes despite renewed appeals from the leadership of the Konkomba Yam Market, who have urged the Assembly to reconsider developing the facility on the site currently occupied by the market. Traders have raised concerns about the potential disruption to their businesses and livelihoods from the planned relocation.

The notice, which covers areas including the Agbogbloshie Cargo Station, the Nzema Market, and portions of the Yam Market, is expected to expire around August 28, 2026, after which the AMA plans to begin clearing structures. Affected traders and commercial operators are to be moved to an alternative parcel of land prepared by the Assembly.

AMA Public Relations Officer Gilbert Ankrah told the media that the Assembly is following a clear roadmap and continues to engage affected groups to secure their cooperation. 

“The Assembly is following a roadmap. We have engaged all the parties involved and we are still engaging for them to understand the need to move,” he said. 

Ankrah added that the Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive has visited the proposed relocation site, where land preparation is already underway, and expressed hope that traders would move without resistance.

The relocation forms part of a broader redevelopment of the Agbogbloshie area and supports the government’s 24-hour economy agenda. The planned market is intended as a modern facility combining traditional open-market elements with infrastructure such as shops, stalls, warehouses, and supporting services.

Traders have previously demonstrated and appealed for more time or reconsideration, with some stating they do not want a 24-hour market at the location and warning of impacts on their primary source of livelihood. 

The AMA has said consultations with traditional authorities, market leaders, and other stakeholders preceded the notice, and engagements will continue ahead of the planned move.