On July 1st, 2021 the Government of Ghana took an ambitious decision to bulldoze the Old Agbogbloshie market under the 'Let’s Make Accra Work' initiative”. 

The initiative was led by the then Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey with an initial plan to transform the notorious e-waste site into a cleaner, safer, and more modern space.

Traders and scrap dealers were directed to relocate to new sites in Adjen Kotoku and Dominase, but for many, this move was spelled disaster. 

While some resolved to threats, others simply begged for more time as they argued that the demolition would displace thousands and destroy livelihoods.

However, the former Greater Accra Regional Minister insisted that the demolition was necessary. 

After heated altercations and near fisticuffs amidst warning shots and tear gas, the joint task force finally succeeded in driving out the traders to the new location.

Subsequently on a working visit to the site after the demolition exercise, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey revealed another ambitious plan.

The minister revealed that 80-acre land was earmarked for a state-of-the-art health facility under the government’s Agenda 111 initiative.

This was supported by the Presidential Advisor on Health Dr Anthony Nsiah Asare. 

Three years on, the promised redevelopment has largely stalled. Currently a shadow of its former self, the fenced area is overtaken by unauthorized dumping, and open defecation, while some scrap dealers have returned to the site. 

Nana Yaw Sackey, one of the labourers who built the site’s fence and currently a squatter on the land told the team that the place has been taken over by wild animals and criminals. 

“It is very horrible because around midnight, you cannot pass here, the criminals hide in the bush and will attempt to steal from you”. 

Mr Sackey adds that he is still owed for the job done after the contractor absconded with no explanation 

“He said, we should help him finish the fence wall, after that, he will talk to the government so that he will collect his money and then he will give us our own.

But up to now, we have not heard from him too.”

“About 8 of us are owed for the work we did. I am owed about 2,500 cedis and the others are owed around 1,500 cedis and 1,800 cedis.

He has also refused to pick up our calls” he added.

He was however unwilling to disclose the name of the said contractor. 

The team also met father of five Yakubu who revealed that his once booming business is now a shadow of its former self. He reveals that he can barely make ends meet for himself and his family owing to the demolition exercise three years ago. 

“I have two wives and now, I don’t know how to take care of them, and my colleagues have resorted to taking hard drugs like tramadol because they have nothing to do.

So we are begging the government to come to our aid because my business has collapsed”. 

An even more heartbreaking site upon our visit to the site is the old Fadama clinic which currently lays in ruins.

A facility which was once overwhelmed with cases now drowns in eerie silence.

  With the redevelopment of the 80-acre land in limbo, the NPP government is facing threats of losing votes, especially among the traders who were affected by the demolition exercise. But current Greater Accra regional minister, Titus Glover in a recent media interview insists that the government’s plans remain unchanged regarding the site