Traders at the Agbogbloshie Market, popularly known as the Nzema Market, have appealed to the  government to provide them with an alternative trading space before they are evacuated from the area.

The appeal follows a one-month notice issued by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) directing traders and other occupants to vacate the area to make way for the construction of a 24-Hour Economy Market.

The notice, which was served on August 4, 2026, is expected to expire on August 28, after which the Assembly says it will begin removing structures on the affected portions of land. The affected areas include the Agbogbloshie Cargo Station, the Nzema Market and portions of the Yam Market.

The traders say they have limited options if the evacuation proceeds without an alternative location, as the market serves as their main source of livelihood.

One of the traders appealed to the government to either extend the deadline or provide a suitable location where they can continue their businesses.

“We ask the government to give us more time or show us a different place for us to reside and trade. We plead with the government because this is our means of survival,” the trader said.

Another trader said the planned evacuation could leave several occupants without a place to live or conduct their businesses, appealing to President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider the decision.

“We don’t have anywhere to go. This is where we have our houses. We beg the President to withdraw his directive and have a second thought about this decision,” the trader said.

The AMA has, however, assured affected traders and other commercial operators that they will be relocated as part of the redevelopment exercise.

The Assembly said it has prepared a parcel of land specifically to accommodate traders and commercial operators who will be affected by the project.

The redevelopment forms part of the government’s 24-Hour Economy programme and is intended to provide a dedicated market facility in the area. The AMA says it has also undertaken consultations with traditional authorities, market leaders, traders and other community representatives ahead of the exercise.

The Assembly has urged affected persons to take note of the August 28 deadline and make the necessary arrangements to relocate to the designated site.