Makola redevelopment: Traders’ welfare will be protected — Lordina Mahama

The First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has assured traders at the 31st December Makola Market that the planned demolition and redevelopment exercise will be carried out with sensitivity and consideration for their livelihoods.

Her intervention follows growing concerns among traders over plans by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to demolish portions of the market without first providing an alternative location for affected traders to continue their businesses.

The development prompted the traders to petition President John Dramani Mahama, appealing for government intervention and expressing fears that the proposed exercise could severely affect their source of income and disrupt commercial activities at one of Accra’s busiest trading centres.

Concerns over the demolition exercise have generated anxiety among traders, many of whom fear displacement and possible financial hardship if the redevelopment project proceeds without proper arrangements.

Addressing the traders during a visit, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey conveyed assurances from Mrs. Lordina Mahama that government is committed to ensuring the process is handled in a humane and consultative manner.

“I came here on the instructions of our mother, Her Excellency Mrs. Lordina Mahama. And being the mother she is, she asked that I come here to listen to them and then see the best way forward. The market men and women are not against the redevelopment of this place.

“However, they are looking at how it can be done such that they will not lose their livelihoods and that is of concern to the state as well. We are going to sit down and make sure that we make progress devoid of emotions.

“I have been in touch with the mayor and we will continue. Within these few days, sitting down some extra days and waiting to hear each other will not be bad.”

The 31st December Makola Market remains a major commercial hub in the capital, attracting thousands of traders and customers daily.

For many of the market women and men, the market serves as their primary means of livelihood, supporting families, paying school fees, and sustaining businesses built over several years.

CitiNewsRoom