ASHAIMAN TRADERS DECLARE SUPPORT FOR THE 24-HOUR ECONOMY MARKET PROJECT
The Ashaiman traders, under the leadership of the Market Queen, Ms. Leticia Ayaba, declared their steadfast support for the Ashaiman main market to be redeveloped into the ultra-modern 24-Hour economy market. The declaration followed a subsequent stakeholders engagement convened on February 20th, 2026, at the Joe Cinema Hall, Ashaiman, where concerns and preferences regarding sheds, stores, and open spaces were addressed.
In the wake of market women’s demonstration, fueled by information asymmetry, on details of the 24-hour market design, the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly, led by the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon Freeman Tsekpo, organized a stakeholders’ meeting with a larger group of traders and market leadership, aimed at resolving all displeasures, grievances, and uncertainties pertaining to the project.
Hon. Tsekpo recounted the initial stakeholder engagement with the Market leadership and the consultant, Homeland Resources LTD, in the Assembly premises. In the market design, facilities, including sheds and stores, were discussed, of which market leaders indicated the shortfall of sheds and stores for the current population of traders in the market.
The current sheds were “One thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty (1750) whilst the 24-hour design had Three Hundred and Ninety (390) sheds.” He affirmed that these issues have been effectively communicated to the government for rectification.
The 24-Hour Economy Market is a Government developmental project aimed at fostering security, continuous trade, and improving livelihoods in a dignified and modernized serenity. The market would accommodate inclusivity to eliminate overcrowding and on-street trading; thus, the project will not displace any trader, contrary to prevailing speculation.
He assured stakeholders of continuous trader-led engagements at every phase of the project for transparency and to mitigate exclusion errors. He promised potential expansion of the project to augment both sheds and floor space for traders.
Regarding relocation, he disclosed that deliberations are underway to identify suitable sites such as “Africa Advance” for the traders. There is a possibility of phased relocation which would also be at the discretion of the contractor. Furthermore, an eleven-member committee has been constituted, comprising six (6) market women and five (5) traditional leaders, tasked with safeguarding the interest of the traders throughout the 15 to 18 months, the project’s life span.
While addressing cost, payment, and ownership concerns, he disclosed that the project is fully funded by the government, and the cost of ownership would be fair and affordable for all traders. He added that the government has advanced funds as it does not want the project to stall.
The Chief of Ashaiman, Nii Anang Adjor Amui III, implored the traders to collaborate harmoniously with the government on this developmental initiative. He called for tranquility and constructive cooperation among all stakeholders to facilitate the prospective commissioning of the project before the end of 2028.
The Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Banini Kwadwo Dzorgbenui, also urged traders to refrain from misrepresentation of issues. He advised them to seek clarity on matters and unite with stakeholders in resolving challenges amicably.
Profiled dignitaries at the engagement were the chief of Ashaiman, Nii Annang Adjor Amui III, and his elders, the Municipal Police Commander, the Hon. Assembly Members, and the management of the Assembly. The Municipal Assembly and traditional Council reassured traders of their vested interests, alleviating fears of displacement and loss of livelihood.
OPEN FORUM
- The market Queen, Ms. Leticia Ayaba, advocated for open discourse of projects, particularly in relation to the interest of the traders.
RESPONSE
The Municipal Co-ordinating Director, Mr. Banini Dzorgbenyui, in response, reiterated that their grievances have been communicated to the government, and the project would progress concurrently with transparency and effective communication.
