Hawkers who used to sell at the Flower Pot Interchange are entreating the government to provide them an alternative space to sell after being banned from setting up their structures at the interchange.
Some hawkers have expressed their displeasure, claiming they were promised a designated area to continue their trade once the interchange was completed.
Barely 24 hours after the government issued the strict directive after the commissioning of the interchange on Tuesday, several hawkers made way to the site, compelling the Greater Accra Regional Minister Titus Glover to take matters into his own hands and destroy strucutres set up.
This move did not sit well with hawkers who indicate that they have secured loans to engage in businesses under the interchange.
“The workers directed us to sell beneath the overhead, prompting us to take out loans to enhance our businesses. We were optimistic during the inauguration, proudly wearing NPP t-shirts and attending to show our support, believing that a designated selling area would be allocated to us in exchange for our votes for Bawumia.
“However, we were unexpectedly instructed to vacate the premises. This situation is unjust, as we are now unable to repay our loans without a designated selling location. It is imperative that a new site be provided for us,” Sandra Korkor, one of the vendors said.
As government intensifies measures to keep the hawkers away, some have called for an alternative space to ensure they do not lose their livelihoods.
Another vendor, Selassie Nkansah said, “We acknowledge the project, but we’re pleading to them to get us a place to sell. I have a responsibility of paying my children’s school fees.”
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Meanwhile, Titus Glover has tasked the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly with ensuring 24-hour security at the Flower Pot Interchange to deter hawkers from selling at the site. He also noted that the government is contemplating extending the fence around the interchange to prevent hawkers from making their way to the site.