Ajumako traders seek temporary trading spaces as 24-hour market construction progresses

Traders in the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District of the Central Region have appealed to the authorities to provide alternative trading spaces to prevent disruptions to their livelihoods as road construction works displace them from their current locations.

The appeal comes as construction of the district’s 24-hour economy market at Enyan Abowinum progresses, with 9% of the project completed since work began in April this year.

The multi-facility project, expected to be completed within 24 months, will include lockable shops, market sheds, a commercial building housing banks and other businesses, an abattoir, food courts and a fire station.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), some traders expressed concern about the lack of temporary trading spaces, saying the ongoing road works had left them uncertain about where to continue their businesses.

Uncle Fii, a shoe and bag seller, said traders had been promised alternative locations by officials of the Assembly but were yet to receive concrete arrangements.

“Where are we expected to go? Are we supposed to stay at home and watch our families go hungry? We pay three different forms of revenue to the Assembly, so the authorities should treat us fairly,” he said.

Beyond the displacement concerns, some traders also questioned the location of the new market at Abowinum, about five kilometres from Ajumako, arguing that it could make access difficult for residents of surrounding communities.

Uncle Fii said locating the facility in central Ajumako would have made it more accessible to traders and customers from communities such as Ochiso and Hasowodze.

The concerns come as construction of the market records nine per cent progress, with work currently focused on the lockable shops, which are 12 per cent complete.

Project Engineer, Mr Francis Atinyo, said excavation, reinforcement and column works had been undertaken, with concrete casting expected to begin soon.

He explained that discrepancies in the original architectural designs had delayed work on some of the other facilities, as the structures were larger than the available land, requiring adjustments by the consultant.

Mr Atinyo, however, expressed confidence that the project would be completed within the scheduled 24 months, provided funding continued to be released as expected.

He said the project was also creating employment opportunities for residents, with most of the labourers recruited from surrounding communities.

Meanwhile, traders have called for the speedy completion of the facility, improved sanitation and the provision of temporary trading areas to ease the difficulties they face.

A tomato seller, Phoebe Akyerefi, also urged the Assembly to complete stalled stalls at the existing market, saying poor sales had resulted in some traders losing their perishable goods.