Dome Kwabenya traders accuse Ga East MCE of defying Regional Minister’s order not to demolish market

Traders at part of Dome Kwabenya market in Accra are alleging that the Ga East Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Edmund Agbo, is defying instructions from the Greater Accra Regional Minister by demolishing a section of the market. The market was previously pulled down to make way for a 24-hour market, but traders claim Agbo proceeded without adhering to a directive from the Regional Minister.

According to the traders, the Regional Minister had expressly ordered that the market should not be demolished. Consequently, the Regional Minister has now deployed National Security operatives at the market to deter any further demolition efforts. The traders express their deep disappointment in Agbo, contending that the market is too limited in size to accommodate a 24-hour market without displacing the current vendors.

They also highlight the ongoing fear and threats of eviction, which have negatively impacted their well-being, with one individual reportedly succumbing to a panic attack and another currently in critical condition. These claims have yet to be verified independently. Additionally, the traders have turned on the Member of Parliament for the area, alleging that they feel unsupported and must confront the eviction process alone.

Upon investigation, the state of the market is dire with a significant portion already reduced to rubble.