Unease is growing at the Ashaiman Main Market in the Greater Accra Region as traders demonstrate against government intentions to transform the crowded market into a modern 24-hour facility. The traders say such a project is unnecessary and fear it could threaten their means of survival, insisting that refurbishing the market and improving access to basic services would be sufficient.

The protesting traders are demanding clearer communication from authorities, warning that a full redevelopment could result in the loss of their stalls and investments.

During the demonstration, one trader appealed directly to government, calling for a rethink of the plan.

“Our request is simple. Fix the market and provide us with water, electricity and proper sanitation. Pulling the market down will only destroy our livelihoods. We have families to care for and no alternative place to trade. We are begging the authorities to focus on renovation and essential services,” the trader said.

Another protester cited past redevelopment projects elsewhere as cautionary examples, arguing that they failed to serve the needs of traders.

“At places like the old Mandela Market, new shops were built but most of them remain unused because traders cannot afford them. Constructing stores will not solve our problems. I deal in plantain, and keeping it in enclosed shops will ruin the goods. What we need is improvement of the current market, not its replacement,” the trader explained.