The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ashaiman, Freeman Tsekpo, has assured existing traders at the Ashaiman Main Market that they would be the primary beneficiaries of the proposed redevelopment into a modern 24-hour economy market.

Speaking at a town hall meeting with traders and stakeholders on the market redevelopment programme last Friday, at Ashaiman, in the Greater Accra Region, Mr Tsekpo said the engagement was aimed at addressing misinformation and concerns among traders directly.

The town hall meeting follows a protest by traders last Tuesday, against the government’s proposed redevelopment of the decades-old market. Traders had expressed fears that the project could displace them and threaten their livelihoods.

Mr Tsekpo explained that previous meetings were limited to market leadership, but this session allowed all traders to voice their opinions and seek clarity.

“This is the first time we are meeting all the traders directly. Our goal is to clarify rumours and ensure everyone understands the redevelopment plans,” he said.

The MCE assured the traders that the assembly was working closely with the consultant and contractor to address all concerns raised by existing traders.

Addressing fears that the project might be abandoned midway, he revealed that funding was available and work would commence immediately once the contractor was appointed by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, with an 18-month timeline for completion.

He dismissed calls to relocate the market, citing past failures of distant sites, and said the redevelopment would include market stalls, open trading spaces, shops, pharmacies, clinics, eateries, and other facilities to enhance the experience for traders and customers.

“The vision is to provide a comfortable and safe environment for our market women while ensuring the project is completed on time,” he stated.

He said some traders would be temporarily relocated to the African Advance Park, with the project carried out in phases to minimise disruption during the construction phase but would be returned as soon as the redevelopment was completed. 

Concerns

The Market Queen of Ashaiman Main Market, Leticia Ayaba, expressed concerns that the current 1,750 spaces would be reduced to only 396 stores and stalls after the redevelopment.

She urged the assembly and consultants to consider these concerns, warning that failure to do so could affect livelihoods, particularly for traders relying on daily market sales.

She said such an outcome would worsen their economic situation, particularly for those who rely solely on daily market sales to support their families.

Dialogue

The Regent of Ashaiman, Nii Annang Adzor, urged traders, the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly and Consultants to embrace peace and dialogue to ensure the successful redevelopment of the Ashaiman Main Market.

He stressed that development required unity, sacrifice, and financial commitment from all parties.

He encouraged traders to trust the government’s assurances, noting that such projects were intended to benefit the community.

He also assured the traders that their concerns would be incorporated into the redevelopment plans to ensure inclusive development for all.

In his welcome address, the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly Coordinating Director, Banini Kwadzo Dzorgbenyui, highlighted that engaging the traders was essential for broad-based support and to ensure the project meets community needs.

He noted that the 24-hour economy market concept aimed to improve working conditions and reduce hardships associated with trading in harsh weather, while providing access to water, lighting, and improved infrastructure.