The La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly (LaNMMA) has commenced the demolition of the old Madina Zonal Council structure within the Madina Market, marking the first step toward constructing a modern 24-hour market facility intended to expand trading space and improve conditions for one of Accra’s busiest commercial hubs.
The demolition, which began on October 22, 2026, follows structural integrity tests that revealed dangerously low concrete strength readings in the abandoned two-storey building. Municipal Engineer Mohammed Danjumah Ahmed disclosed that tests recorded readings as low as 11 to 20 Newtons per square millimetre (N/mm²) in some sections—levels well below acceptable safety standards . The Assembly declared the structure a collapsing hazard, warning that further delay would constitute negligence on its part.
Safety Concerns Drove the Decision
The old Zonal Council building, located near the Trotro station inside the congested Madina Market, had remained unfinished since construction began in the early 2000s. Originally intended to provide trading space for approximately 200 people, the project was abandoned, leaving the structure exposed to years of deterioration. A visit to the site revealed exposed metal rods, damaged walls, and precarious sections, even as traders continued to store goods and sell nearby .
Engineer Ahmed emphasised that the Assembly could not stand by while the building posed a risk to lives and property. “What is the use of all the engineers at the Assembly if we sit and watch this building collapse on traders?” he asked .
What the New 24-Hour Market Will Offer
The cleared site is earmarked for a flagship 24-Hour Model Market, designed to transition the enclave into a round-the-clock commercial ecosystem. According to Assembly plans, the new development will include expanded trading capacity, improved sanitation, organised stalls, a clinic, a school, a police station, and a children’s playground .
The project forms part of the government’s broader 24-hour economy agenda, which seeks to extend commercial activity beyond daylight hours. The Queen Mother of Madina Main Market, Esi Yeboah, previously welcomed the initiative, noting that the market lacks sufficient space for all traders. “When someone comes to ask to sell here, I only tell them to go look around,” she said . However, some traders have expressed concerns about security, electricity costs, and whether customer demand will justify nighttime operations .
Traders Relocated as Demolition Proceeds
To mitigate the impact on affected traders, LaNMMA has designated an alternative trading space near the existing market, allowing vendors to continue their businesses while construction progresses . The Assembly has also assured affected shop owners that they will be allocated permanent spaces once the new facility is completed .
Prior to the demolition, the Volta River Authority cut off power supply to the zone to secure the perimeter . While some traders had lobbied for a three-month grace period to relocate inventory and salvage materials, the structural reality prompted many to vacate voluntarily . Affected traders have appealed to the Assembly to prioritise swift reconstruction so they can return to normal commercial activities. “We don’t have a problem with the demolition. Our only fear is whether the reconstruction of the market will be swift,” one trader said .
Broader Redevelopment Plans for Madina
The Zonal Council demolition is part of a wider modernisation push in Madina. Municipal Chief Executive Ibrahim Faila Fusseini announced in August 2026 that encumbrances on land earmarked for the 24-Hour Economy Market had been cleared, with construction expected to begin shortly . The Assembly has also received unsolicited proposals for the redevelopment of approximately 4.23 acres of the Madina Main Market, including the old Assembly office, into a modern multi-purpose high-rise market complex with a basement vehicle terminal .
Additionally, the second phase of the Madina Market Reconstruction Project—comprising two blocks of 18-unit, three-storey retail shops and two blocks of 24-unit market sheds—has been completed and was awaiting formal handover to the Assembly as of August 2026 .
What Happens Next
The focus now shifts to redevelopment and trader resettlement. LaNMMA must deliver on its guarantee of permanent stalls in the new 24-hour market, while affected traders face months of uncertainty in temporary spaces. The Assembly has indicated that traders whose records are available will be prioritised for allocation once the new facility is ready . For now, the demolition clears the way for a project that officials hope will transform Madina Market into a safer, more organised, and economically vibrant commercial centre.
