Market women in Akim Oda are threatening to forcibly move into the newly constructed market complex, which was inaugurated by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the 2024 general elections, if authorities fail to allocate stalls to them by the end of this month.

Their frustration follows a recent lorry park decongestion exercise in the township, which relocated vehicles from the main park near the market.

The traders fear the move will significantly affect customer turnout and reduce their earnings.

In an interview with Accra FM/CTV reporter Apelete Kofi-Michel, spokesperson Mmabawa Hemaa said many of the women are the primary breadwinners for their families and can no longer endure the harsh conditions of selling under the scorching sun and rain.

“We have waited for months since the market was opened, but our efforts to be allocated spaces have yielded nothing.

If by the end of this month nothing is done, we will move into the market ourselves,” she warned.

Some of the traders also vowed to boycott Assembly levies until they are officially relocated to the new facility.

They criticised the decongestion exercise, saying it has disrupted business, and appealed to the Kotoku Traditional Council to intervene on their behalf.

The Akim Oda market relocation issue has been a source of tension between traders and local authorities, with calls mounting for a swift resolution to prevent further unrest.