Authorities have recently removed all hawkers who were operating under the newly inaugurated Flower Pot Interchange, an action that followed public backlash over viral images showing vendors selling fruits at the location just a day after the project’s launch. The decision was swiftly made by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, on November 20, 2024, who emphasized the importance of preserving the intended purpose and appearance of the newly completed interchange.
While the action was taken in response to public complaints, some hawkers who have been selling their goods in the area for years have expressed their dissatisfaction with the eviction. Many of the vendors claim that they were promised a designated area where they could continue their businesses after the completion of the Flower Pot Interchange. These hawkers, who have operated at the location for over two decades, argue that they had been given assurances by local authorities regarding a new place to trade.
Several of the hawkers pointed out that they have been conducting their businesses at the Flower Pot site for more than 25 years, beginning under the administration of former President John Agyekum Kufuor. Both the late President John Atta Mills and former President John Mahama also did not attempt to evict them from the location during their respective tenures. The sudden removal of the vendors under the current administration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has left many feeling betrayed and uncertain about their futures.
One vendor, Sandra Korkor, shared her frustration, saying, “We have operated in this location for 25 years, and we were never evicted under any previous administrations. Now, under this government, we have been removed without warning.” She went on to explain that, during the inauguration of the interchange, they had been hopeful that a designated selling area would be provided to them in return for their support, which included voting for Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. Unfortunately, these hopes were dashed when the vendors were instructed to vacate the area without any concrete alternative provided.
Sandra also revealed that the hawkers had previously been in communication with local authorities, and they had been informed that a new site would be allocated to them for their businesses. They were even advised not to pay for the space yet, with the understanding that a proper arrangement would be made. However, with the sudden eviction, many of the vendors are now unable to repay loans they had taken out to expand their businesses in anticipation of the new space.
Another vendor, Selassie Nkansah, also expressed her concerns. “We understand that the interchange is a significant project, but we need a place to sell. I have children to take care of, and I am responsible for their education. Without a place to work, I cannot fulfill my obligations,” she said.
The vendors' plight reflects the broader struggle faced by many informal traders in Ghana, who rely on these public spaces for their livelihoods. While the government’s goal is to create modern, efficient infrastructure, it must also find a way to balance development with the livelihoods of those who have been dependent on these spaces for years.
As the hawkers continue to call for a designated selling area, it remains unclear whether the authorities will honor their promises and provide a solution. For many of these vendors, this is not just about the loss of their business space; it is about their ability to support their families and meet their financial commitments. The hawkers are urging the government to act quickly and provide them with a new location so they can resume their work.
While the Flower Pot Interchange is a much-needed project for improving traffic flow and modernizing the city, the situation has highlighted the delicate balance that must be struck between progress and the preservation of livelihoods. The hawkers are not opposed to the development itself but are seeking a fair resolution to their displacement. The government’s next steps will be crucial in determining how the affected vendors will move forward and whether the promises made to them will be fulfilled.
With the election season approaching, the hawkers are also calling on the authorities to show their commitment to the welfare of ordinary Ghanaians by ensuring that their businesses are not forgotten in the face of large-scale infrastructure projects. As the country prepares for the 2024 general elections, the government’s response to this issue could have implications for how voters perceive their commitment to the needs of the people. For now, the hawkers are left waiting for clarity and action from the authorities to resolve their situation.
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