More than a hundred traders staged a peaceful protest today (August 18, 2025), accusing the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly (ASHMA) of attempting to unlawfully evict them from their place of business.
The traders, who operate near the Ashaiman traffic light, allege that the assembly is acting on behalf of a private developer in disregard of a pending court case.
The demonstration unfolded this morning as traders, many clad in red to symbolise their anger, chanted and held up placards.
The protesters claim they hold valid legal documentation that permits them to operate on the land, and that the matter is currently before a court for a final ruling.
A spokesperson for the traders, Jeffrey Eli, condemned the assembly’s actions as a blatant disregard for the rule of law.
“They are manipulating the system to forcibly take over the land despite the pending legal process,” Eli stated, adding that the traders would “vow to resist any attempts to remove them until the court determines the matter.”
Other protesters who spoke to the media expressed deep frustration over what they described as a grave injustice being meted out to them.
The traders’ protest highlights a recurring issue in Ghana’s urban centres, where disputes over land and commercial space often lead to confrontations between municipal authorities and informal business operators.
The presence of security personnel at the scene ensured the demonstration remained peaceful, with no reports of violence.
The Ashaiman Municipal Assembly has yet to issue an official comment regarding the traders’ specific claims.
