Patrick Quophi Obosu 
Traders at Makola No. 2 Market in the Greater Accra Region have closed their shops in protest against what they call exploitative rent conditions, including a 20% levy, despite having occupied the property—owned by SSNIT—for over 30 years.
The demonstration, which started in the early hours of Thursday, February 26, has disrupted business in one of Accra’s busiest commercial centers.
The traders say the protest aims to draw authorities’ attention to what they describe as unfair financial demands that are putting their livelihoods at risk.
Speaking to Primemax News, some of the affected traders voiced frustration over the charges, arguing that the rent conditions are unsustainable and could push many of them out of business if immediate action is not taken.
“Last year, we paid GH₵25,000 for the entire year. This year, we were told there would be an increase, and indeed there has been. Ours went up by GH₵11,000, so we’re now expected to pay GH₵36,000—without any renovations or improvements,” a trader lamented to Citi News.
