Takoradi: Traders at the Takoradi Central Market have embarked on a demonstration to express their frustration over the government's failure to complete the stalled Takoradi Market Circle redevelopment project.
According to Ghana News Agency, the protestors, dressed in red, marched through key streets of Takoradi, calling on the government to initiate immediate measures to ensure the project's completion. They held placards with messages such as 'Broken promises, broken livelihoods', 'We want action, not excuses', and 'Traders are citizens too, hear us out'. Other placards stated, 'Restore hope, restore our market', 'Traders need support, not silence', and 'The market circle project is dead, trotro and taxi stations are now cemeteries'.
Madam Lamisi Adam, a convenor of the protest, highlighted that the stalled project was severely impacting economic activities for traders who had been relocated for its commencement. She recalled that five years ago, the government had declared the old structure unsafe, leading to the traders' relocation with a promise of a new market within two years. However, the temporary site has become a financial burden.
Madam Adam also pointed out that despite governmental assurances, the market remains incomplete. She shared concerns from unnamed sources suggesting that the new market might not accommodate all relocated traders. She urged the government to provide a clear timeline for the project's completion, noting the adverse effects on traders' lives.
Mr. Desmond Tyro, CEO of Mayor's Tap, expressed that the stalled project was causing significant inconveniences for businesses around the market, including increased vehicular traffic. He urged the government to expedite the project's completion to alleviate these issues.