The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has cautioned traders affected by the redevelopment of the 31st December Material Stores at Makola against paying individuals demanding GH¢10,000 under the pretext of securing shops in the new facility.

Accra Mayor, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has dismissed the alleged registration charges as fraudulent, insisting that the Assembly has not authorised anyone to collect money from traders seeking to have their names recorded for consideration in the allocation of shops.

The warning comes as construction work progresses on the four-storey redevelopment project, which is expected to replace the former single-storey structure with a modern commercial facility offering additional trading spaces and improved accessibility.

Mr Allotey gave the caution during an inspection of the project on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, accompanied by officials of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.

During the inspection, the Mayor assessed ongoing construction activities, including foundation and ground-level concrete works, erected columns and structural preparations for the installation of elevators to facilitate movement between the floors.

He urged the construction workers to maintain the pace of work to ensure the timely completion of the facility.

Addressing traders after the inspection, Mr Allotey expressed concern over reports that some individuals were demanding GH¢10,000 from traders in exchange for registering their names for shops in the redeveloped market.

He stressed that the Assembly had not approved any such arrangement, warning traders not to fall victim to the alleged scheme.

According to him, registration of traders' names at the Assembly is entirely free, and neither his office nor the Metropolitan Coordinating Director has authorised anyone to charge prospective beneficiaries.

The Mayor further clarified that the temporary trading spaces provided for affected traders should not be regarded as permanent allocations or grounds for claiming ownership of the locations.

The redevelopment project follows consultations between the AMA, affected traders and other stakeholders over arrangements for relocating businesses operating within the construction area.

In July 2026, the Assembly and representatives of the affected traders reached an agreement to temporarily relocate businesses to designated spaces at Rawlings Park and the Community Centre adjacent to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.

Under the agreement, the first phase of construction was expected to be completed within six months after the relocation of traders. Existing shop owners were also expected to receive the first option in the allocation of shops when the project is completed.

The redevelopment forms part of the AMA's broader efforts to modernise market infrastructure, create additional designated trading spaces and address congestion caused by traders operating along roadsides and pedestrian walkways.



EA