Mahama Ayariga assures Nzema, Kokomba traders of government’s commitment to protect existing businesses

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has pledged a stakeholder-led approach to the redevelopment of the Nzema and Kokomba Markets at Agbogbloshie under the government’s 24-hour model market initiative. Mr Ayariga made the commitment on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, during a tour of the two markets with the Minister for Transport and the Accra Metropolitan Mayor, where they assessed the state of the facilities and held discussions with market leaders. The Minister said government’s objective is to build modern markets that improve the trading environment while protecting the livelihoods of people who already depend on the facilities.

“You will be part of the process, and you will lead the discussions on how the redevelopment should be done and how the allocations should be made,” he assured traders. He said the redevelopment plans would reflect the realities of each market, including the need to address congestion and improve economic opportunities for traders. Mr Ayariga also disclosed plans to engage the Ministers for Lands and Natural Resources and Finance to explore funding options for the redevelopment, while market leadership welcomed the government’s consultation and expressed their willingness to collaborate on the project.

Mr Ayariga gave the assurance on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, when he toured the two markets together with the Minister for Transport and the Accra Metropolitan Mayor to assess their current condition and engage market leaders on the proposed redevelopment. He explained that the 24-hour model market initiative is intended to improve trading conditions, expand economic opportunities and provide modern facilities while ensuring that existing traders remain central to the redevelopment process. “We are not coming to take your businesses away from you.

Mr Ayariga also said the redevelopment would take into account the specific needs of the two markets and the broader congestion challenges in Accra. He further indicated that he would engage the Ministers for Lands and Natural Resources and Finance on the resources required for the project, while market leaders welcomed the engagement and expressed their readiness to work with government.