Traders at Opera Square, an area within the Central Business District noted for trade in various goods, are at loggerheads with officials of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).
The fracas ensued after an unexpected eviction noticeby the Assembly. The AMA officials contend that the various stores at that location violate Section 106 (1) of the Local Government Act. They are therefore demanding permits by Friday, December 8, failure of which will lead to the complete removal of the traders for non-compliance.
The affected traders, however, assert that the AMA’s actions are unlawful.
Peter Kalley, a spokesperson for the traders, expressed frustration, stating, “They didn’t have any meeting with us. We have a contract with Metro Mass; they rented their place out to us, so if anything like that, they should have given us information or something like that.”
Kalley further alleged that attempts to seek clarification from both AMA and Metro Mass Transit Company have been fruitless, leaving the traders in a state of confusion. He raised concerns that the building and space may have been leased to a private developer without their knowledge.
Addressing the media on Thursday, December 7, William Adarkwa, the leader of the aggrieved traders, issued a stern warning, stating, “We are not going to sit down and allow anybody or whoever has taken this contract to build. We are not going to accept it.”
He called on the AMA Chief Executive to explain the construction plans and urged authorities to refrain from any attempt to demolish their stores.
With tensions escalating, the traders are resolute in their stance, vowing to deal mercilessly with anyone attempting to dismantle their shops.