Mercy Naa Afrowa Needjan
The President of Greater Accra Market Association, Mercy Naa Afrowa Needjan, has announced that plans to redevelop the 31st December Market in Accra into a modern four-storey trading complex will proceed despite concerns from some traders over the proposed demolition of the existing facility.
The project had faced uncertainty after a section of market traders petitioned President John Dramani Mahama, expressing fears about possible displacement and the loss of trading spaces.
Speaking at a press briefing at the market on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Madam Needjan assured traders that the redevelopment is intended to improve trading conditions and create additional opportunities for existing occupants. According to her, the project is designed to benefit traders rather than deprive them of their livelihoods.
“The redevelopment project is meant to benefit the current occupants of the market and create more trading spaces for traders, including hawkers operating along the roadside,” she stated.
She explained that traders who will be affected by the demolition exercise would be temporarily relocated to Rawlings Park and the Community Centre, to allow construction work to proceed without interrupting their businesses.
Madam Needjan urged traders to support the initiative, describing it as part of broader efforts to modernise market infrastructure in the capital.
The project has generated mixed reactions among traders. While some have welcomed the redevelopment as a step towards improving business operations and market conditions, others remain concerned about the allocation of stalls when the new facility is completed.
One trader, Mamavi, appealed to her colleagues to embrace the project.
“I plead with my fellow traders to support the development of our market. If you visit the Aflao Market, you will see how it has been transformed into a modern multi-storey facility. We want the same kind of development here,” she said.
Market leaders maintain that the redevelopment will provide improved infrastructure, better sanitation, and enhanced security and increased trading space for traders. They have therefore called on all stakeholders to cooperate with authorities to ensure the successful execution of the project.
By Vera Owusu Sarpong