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

The Assembly has stressed that no individual, group or task force member has been authorised to collect money from traders as part of the shop allocation process.

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The warning is aimed at protecting traders from falling victim to unauthorised charges and fraudulent schemes while redevelopment works continue.

In a Facebook post on Friday, October 30, 2026, the AMA said it had received reports that some individuals were demanding money from traders under the pretext of helping them secure shops in the redeveloped facility.

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, described the reported demands as false and urged traders not to fall victim to such schemes.

“Traders should not pay anyone who claims they can secure a shop for them. The registration process is free, and the Assembly has not appointed anybody to collect money,” the Mayor said.

He further cautioned that no one had been authorised to promise traders shop allocations in exchange for payment.

The warning comes as the Assembly undertakes the redevelopment of the former single-storey 31st December Material Stores into a modern four-storey commercial facility.

The new building is expected to provide additional trading spaces and improve access for businesses operating within the Makola commercial centre.

The project has necessitated the temporary relocation of traders operating within the construction area.

In July 2026, the AMA and representatives of the affected traders reached an agreement on relocation arrangements, including the provision of designated trading spaces at Rawlings Park and the Community Centre near the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.

Under the agreement, the first phase of construction was expected to be completed within six months of the traders' relocation.

Existing shop owners were also expected to be given the first option when shops in the new facility are allocated.

ANAS/MA

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