The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has rejected claims that it is forcefully ejecting traders from the 31st Makola Market.

At a press briefing, AMA Presiding Member Musah Ziyad said the ongoing exercise is not a forced eviction. He explained that it forms part of a redevelopment project to upgrade the current one-story structure into a four-story modern market.

According to Ziyad, the first phase of the project will take six months to complete. He said the new market will provide additional trading space for vendors, especially those operating along roadsides, pavements, and other unauthorized areas in the Central Business District.

Ziyad stated that extensive stakeholder engagement was held with traders, shop owners, and market leaders before the project began. He urged Ghanaians to disregard claims that no proper consultation took place.

He added that despite an agreed timeline, some traders later filed an injunction at the Accra High Court to halt the redevelopment.

Report by Bernard K Dadzie Greater Accra Region