Traders at Makola No. 2 Market in the Greater Accra Region have shut their shops in protest over what they describe as exploitative rent conditions and a 20 percent charge imposed on them, after occupying the property (said property owned by SSNIT) for more than 30 years.
The demonstration, which began in the early hours of Thursday, February 26, has disrupted trading activities in one of Accra’s busiest commercial hubs.
The traders say the protest is intended to draw the attention of authorities to what they call unfair financial demands that are threatening their livelihoods.
Speaking to Citi News, some of the affected traders expressed frustration over the charges, insisting that the conditions are unsustainable and could force many of them out of business if urgent intervention is not secured.
“Last year we paid GH₵25,000 for the whole year. This year, we heard there was going to be an increase and truly there has been. Ours came as GH₵11,000 increase. So we will be paying GH₵36,000. No renovation, nothing,” a trader lamented to Citi News.
