Traders at the Pokuase Timber Market in the Ga North Municipality have protested against plans by the Municipal Assembly to demolish and relocate their businesses.
The traders say the proposed demolition threatens their livelihoods and have called on the Ga North Municipal Chief Executive, Akwetey Agbo, to reconsider the decision.
According to the traders, they have operated at the location for several years, selling timber and other products in front of a private residence.
They insist that the land on which they operate is not state land, arguing that the available state land in the area is occupied by a high-tension installation.
The traders also allege that they are being singled out for demolition despite the presence of several other shops and businesses in the area.
Chairman of the Timber Market, Nana Kyeremateng in an interview with Accra-based UTV, said they have been allocated an alternative location and were prepared to consider the relocation if the new site is suitable for their businesses.
However, upon inspection, they realized the site was a bushland, with construction already ongoing.
He said the traders had supported the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 elections based on promises they believed would improve their livelihoods.
“We were in this place when Mahama came to the campaign to tell us about the 24-hour economy and other promises, which we believed in. The NDC constituency chairman mobilised all of us, and we voted for Mahama to win the 2024 election. Now the MCE came, and we’ve become his enemies, and he wants to sack us and deprive us of our livelihoods,” he lamented.
Nana Kyeremateng appealed to Mr. Agbo to engage the traders rather than take steps that could disrupt their businesses.
“The MCE shouldn’t let the love we have for NDC disappear,” he said.
He stressed that the traders are not opposed to development but want any relocation to be properly discussed and carried out in a manner that protects their livelihoods.
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