Traders at the Mallam Atta Market in Accra, Ghana, are urging the government to expedite the ongoing redevelopment works, as the displacement of businesses has significantly affected their customer base and sales. The redevelopment is part of the government's 24-hour economy agenda. Despite supporting the modernization of the market, traders are facing challenges due to the demolition and relocation of some shops, making it difficult for customers to locate their usual businesses.
The traders raised their concerns during an engagement with the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly on the annual revenue collection rates. They highlighted that while business is still ongoing, albeit at a reduced level, the demolition of phases one and two of the market has impacted their operations. Tawulo, a food seller at the market, appealed to the government to accelerate the project, stating that the traders only want the work to be sped up so they can attract more customers.
In addition to the redevelopment challenges, traders cited choked gutters, inadequate street lighting, and security concerns as some of the issues affecting businesses at the market. They called for urgent attention to the drainage system to improve sanitation and prevent flooding around the market. The traders also appealed to the Assembly to maintain the existing revenue fees, given the difficulties businesses are facing amid the ongoing redevelopment.
The Presiding Member of the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly, Alexander Kwame Mensah Tumasi, stated that the engagement was part of the Assembly's annual consultations with ratepayers before determining revenue rates for the year. The consultations allow the Assembly to hear directly from traders and assess whether existing rates should be increased, maintained, or reduced. The Assembly decided to maintain the fee rather than increase it, considering the challenges faced by traders.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Ayawaso Central, Rudolf Collinwoode Williams, mentioned that the Assembly engages traders annually to discuss revenue rates and make collection easier for both the Assembly and businesses. The consultations aim to ensure that the concerns of ratepayers are considered in determining the rates. The traders are now calling for faster completion of the redevelopment works, improved drainage, adequate street lighting, and better security.
While acknowledging the need to modernize the market, traders emphasized that the transition should also take into account the livelihoods of traders who depend on the market for their daily income. The traders' concerns highlight the delicate balance between modernizing markets and supporting the businesses and livelihoods of those who depend on them. The government's 24-hour economy agenda aims to transform the market, but it must be implemented in a way that minimizes disruptions to traders.
The redevelopment of the Mallam Atta Market is a significant project that requires careful planning and execution to ensure that the needs of both traders and customers are met. The government and the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly must work together to address the traders' concerns and ensure a smooth transition to the new market facilities. By doing so, the market can be transformed into a vibrant and thriving hub of economic activity that benefits both traders and the local community.
Key points
- Traders at Mallam Atta Market urge government to expedite 24-hour market redevelopment.
- Displacement of businesses has affected customer base and sales.
- Traders call for improved drainage, street lighting, and security amid redevelopment.
