By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Over 3,000 traders at the Holy Garden Police Station Market near Circle in Accra are living in fear of losing their livelihoods following what they describe as plans to forcibly evict them from the site.
The traders, under the name Concerned Traders of Holy Garden Market, say they have received information suggesting that portions of the land are being targeted for takeover by private business interests. At a press conference on Thursday, the group expressed frustration, warning that any eviction would severely impact families who depend on the market for survival.
“This market is our lifeline. If we are removed, more than 3,000 families will be thrown into hardship,” one of the traders said.
The traders alleged that a Chinese businessman is behind the move, claiming he has been acquiring land in and around the market for expansion purposes. They argue that such a development would displace long-standing local vendors and insist the market should remain a public trading space.
So far, no official eviction notice has been issued, but the group fears that the alleged plans could soon materialize unless government steps in.
They are therefore calling on Accra city authorities, the Ministry of Local Government and other stakeholders to intervene immediately to safeguard their livelihoods.
