The affected traders at the Suhum Chiefs Palace
Traders at the Amponsah Market in Suhum in the Eastern Region have appealed to traditional authorities and the Municipal Assembly to reconsider plans to eject them ahead of a proposed redevelopment project, warning that an abrupt relocation could threaten their livelihoods and disrupt business during the Christmas season.
The dispute follows a notice issued by the Suhum Municipal Assembly on October 8, 2026, directing occupants of Assembly-owned stores and traders operating from containers and other structures on the affected land to vacate by Friday, October 16, 2026, to pave the way for demolition and reconstruction of the market.
Concerns
The traders have expressed concern about what they describe as inadequate consultation and the absence of ready-to-use alternative trading facilities, calling for an extension of at least six months to enable them to relocate without suffering significant financial losses.
They insist that their concerns are not necessarily about opposing the redevelopment but ensuring that appropriate arrangements are made for affected businesses before work begins.
October 16 deadline
In its October 8 notice, the Assembly said an earlier engagement with the affected traders had taken place on June 26, 2026, during which, according to the Assembly, they agreed to vacate their stores and remove containers and other structures by September 30, 2026.
The Assembly said the agreement was subsequently communicated in a letter dated July 14, 2026, adding that the necessary processes to commence the redevelopment project had been completed.
It therefore directed the occupants to comply with the October 16 deadline to enable the contractor to begin demolition and reconstruction as scheduled.
According to the Assembly, the project is intended to provide a modern market facility that will improve trading conditions and offer a more suitable environment for commercial activities.
The notice also requested the Electricity Company of Ghana’s Suhum office to disconnect power supplies to the affected stores and structures and take custody of its assets to facilitate the planned demolition.
The directive has heightened anxiety among traders who say they need more time to make alternative arrangements and protect their businesses from disruption.
Traders appeal
The affected traders have appealed to traditional authorities and the Municipal Assembly, led by Municipal Chief Executive Lydia Ohenewa Sarah, to reconsider the deadline and provide a clear relocation plan before demolition begins.
They argue that moving traders without identifying suitable alternative spaces could interrupt daily sales, undermine household incomes and place additional financial pressure on people who depend on the market for their livelihoods.
The traders have also emphasised the historical importance of the Amponsah Market, describing it as an established commercial centre that has served generations of traders and residents in Suhum.
With the Christmas season approaching, they fear that losing their current trading locations could prevent them from taking advantage of increased consumer spending during the festive period.
They are therefore requesting a six-month extension to allow the Assembly to identify and prepare alternative trading spaces, communicate relocation arrangements and give businesses sufficient time to move their goods and equipment.
Suhum MP take
The Member of Parliament for Suhum, Frank Asiedu Bekoe, has also called on the Municipal Chief Executive and the Assembly to ensure that alternative trading facilities are available before the affected traders are relocated.
Mr Asiedu Bekoe made his position known during an engagement with traditional authorities at the Suhum Traditional Council, where he participated in the celebration of Akwasidae and discussed development and security concerns affecting the municipality.
He acknowledged the need to improve the market’s infrastructure but stressed that traders should not be moved before suitable alternatives were available.
The MP argued that the proposed 24-hour economy market should be completed and made available to traders before they are displaced from their existing locations.
He said providing alternative trading spaces would help protect the incomes of market women and other traders who rely on daily sales to support their families and sustain their businesses.
Traditional authorities have also called for further engagement between the Assembly and the traders before the relocation exercise proceeds.
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