Four years after being evicted from the old Agbogbloshie Market in Accra, scrap dealers and onion sellers have returned to the site, sparking discussions about its future use. The relocation, which occurred during the presidency of Nana Akufo-Addo, was part of plans to redevelop the area as part of the Agenda 111 project—an initiative aimed at constructing new healthcare facilities across the country. However, the site has remained largely unused, prompting these traders to reclaim the space.
Speaking to the media, Ussif Mahama, Chairman of the Scrap Dealers Association of Ghana, expressed hope that a future National Democratic Congress (NDC) government would officially permit them to operate at the Agbogbloshie Market. “This market is our livelihood. We are determined to continue our work here and hope the next government will support us in securing this space,” he stated.
The return of the traders highlights ongoing challenges with urban planning, land use, and the balancing of development projects with the livelihoods of local communities. While the Agenda 111 initiative was widely praised as a transformative healthcare project, delays in implementation have left the fate of the Agbogbloshie site uncertain.
For now, the scrap dealers and onion sellers have resumed their activities, restoring some of the vibrancy that once defined the market. However, questions remain about the long-term plans for the area and how the interests of both the traders and national development goals can be reconciled.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
