Accra: Member of Parliament for Effiduase-Asokore, Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, has claimed that the demolition of Makola Market in 1979 under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) significantly weakened the economic foundation of the Ga-Dangme state. In a post shared on his Facebook page, Dr Ayew Afriye recounted stories from elderly residents about the impactful demolition exercise on the Ga-Dangme people.
According to Ghana Web, Dr Ayew Afriye shared insights that he had gathered from these residents, including a prominent businessman from Tema, who believed that the demolition diminished the economic influence of the Ga people. He recounted a narrative told by Mr Larkai, a wealthy figure from Tema's Ownership Community Four, who alleged that the demolition was a strategic move to control Accra and ultimately weaken the Ga state.
Dr Ayew Afriye noted that the elderly businessman felt the action also negatively affected Ga women, known historically as successful traders and financial supporters of businesses, military officials, and politicians. He mentioned the involvement of notable figures such as General Ankrah, the wife of Prof. Busia, Naa Morkor, and General I.K Acheampong, who had invested in Ga businesses, including the likes of Henry Djaba's TATA Brewery.
He further stated that many respected Ga-Dangme elders shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the drastic shift from an economically independent state to one grappling with poverty following the demolition. Dr Ayew Afriye cited other respected voices, such as Nii Aryee's father, the Paramount Chief of Nungua, who corroborated the narrative about the Makola Market's destruction and its long-lasting detrimental effects on the Ga-Dangme community.
Dr Ayew Afriye suggested that some form of state acknowledgement or reparation could aid in healing the Ga-Dangme people from the historical economic setback they endured. He expressed hope that such measures could be taken to address the grievances of the affected community, stating, "On any day, reparation is never too late."