Traders operating at the 31st December Makola Market (A&B) in Accra are expected to stage a protest march today, Friday, May 15, as they head to the Jubilee House to petition President John Dramani Mahama over what they describe as plans by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly to relocate them from the market.
The traders say the intended relocation exercise has created fear and uncertainty among hundreds of business owners and workers who depend on the market for their daily income and survival.
According to the traders, the planned move by city authorities is being carried out without adequate consultation and, most importantly, without any alternative trading space being provided for them before the exercise begins.
Speaking to journalists ahead of the demonstration, Interim Market Manager Ebenezer Bekoe expressed strong dissatisfaction with the situation, insisting that the traders feel abandoned and threatened by the proposed relocation arrangement.
He explained that many traders have invested heavily in their businesses and rely entirely on daily sales to support their families, pay school fees, settle rent, and meet other financial obligations.
As a result, he warned that any forced relocation without proper arrangements could severely disrupt their livelihoods and worsen the economic hardship already facing many traders.
Mr. Bekoe disclosed that preparations for the protest march had already been completed, with traders mobilising in their numbers to participate in the procession to the seat of government.
“We are going to take a very drastic action. Our placards are ready, and we are moving. We are sending a petition to the Presidency. We have already sent letters to the Jubilee House, and the police have given us a permit, and we are going to move in our numbers.
“It wouldn’t be less than 100 because that is the number we gave to the police but I can assure you that the numbers will be more than what we even envisaged.”
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