A bitter dispute has broken out between Bimbilla MP Dominic Nitiwul and Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey over plans to demolish parts of the Konkomba Yam Market at Agbogbloshie for a proposed 24-hour economy market.
Nitiwul accuses the mayor of targeting the section of the market occupied predominantly by Konkomba traders. Allotey strongly denies this, saying the Mahama administration is working to improve conditions for those same traders.
Speaking on Joy FM, Allotey fired back at the MP’s account of the consultation process, saying: “I am not an office mayor… I don’t give fake news, I don’t deceive people.”
He accused Nitiwul of misleading the public.
Nitiwul says he is defending millions of Ghanaians who rely on the market.
“Three to four million yams are sold daily at the Konkomba yam market, so I represent those people,” he said, adding that 90% of yam producers in his constituency supply the market.
The two disagree sharply on what happened at a July 28 meeting. Nitiwul says traders told the mayor it was their first proper engagement with him. Allotey disputes this and has demanded the MP apologise for what he calls lies.