The Minister for Trade and Industry, Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare, has identified the activities of middlemen, popularly referred to as “Affairs,” as a major challenge confronting traders and customers at the Abossey Okai spare parts market.
According to her, these middlemen often intercept car owners upon arrival at the market and sell spare parts to them at highly inflated prices. This practice, she explained, creates the false impression that legitimate Abossey Okai traders are overpricing their goods.
She further noted that some automobile fitters also exploit unsuspecting car owners by exaggerating the cost of spare parts, compounding the problem and eroding public trust in the market.
In response to these concerns, Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare disclosed that the government plans to establish a police post at the entrance of the market to clamp down on the activities of unscrupulous middlemen and restore order.
However, she urged spare parts dealers to consider exploring ways of integrating and formally employing some of these individuals, emphasizing that doing so could promote accountability and improve overall organization within the market.
The Trade Minister commended the spare parts dealers for their cooperation and assured them of the government’s continued engagement. She encouraged sustained collaboration in support of Ghana’s industrialization drive and broader economic transformation agenda.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, announced that by the first week of February, the government would create a designated car park along the Agbogbloshie stretch to help decongest the Abossey Okai area.
He noted that the initiative would improve accessibility within the market and encourage car owners to transact directly with shop owners, thereby reducing the influence of middlemen.
