The chiefs and queens of Asogli have thrown their weight behind the ongoing decongestion exercise at the Ho Central Market (Asigame), saying it is a timely and necessary initiative to restore safety, order, and dignity to commercial activities in the Ho municipality.

“The traditional authority considers the decongestion effort a critical intervention to address persistent cramming, indiscipline and safety risks that have long characterised the central business area of Ho,” said a statement issued by the palace on Monday.

The statement, signed by the Asogli Palace Secretary, Stephen Tetteh, said the continuous occupation of the streets, pavements, and pedestrian walkways by traders significantly impeded the free flow of vehicular traffic and pedestrian movement, posing danger and compromising sanitation and emergency response at Asigame.

Appeal

That situation, the statement maintained, did not befit the status of Ho as the administrative capital of the Volta Region.

The statement appealed to all traders at Asigame selling at unauthorised spaces to comply with the municipal assembly’s directive and relocate immediately to the designated areas within the market.

The decongestion would also help to improve the security situation in the market, the statement pointed out.

“The chiefs and queens of Asogli urge the Market Queen, trade associations, transport unions, and community leaders to play active roles in sensitising their members to cooperate fully with the assembly in the decongestion exercise,” the statement added.

It cautioned that constructive engagements, dialogue, and voluntary compliance were essential to ensuring the exercise was carried out smoothly and peacefully.

The statement commended the Municipal Chief Executive, Stephen Adom, and the municipal assembly for the bold move to decongest the market and highlighted the need to back the exercise with public education.