The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has briefed the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, and members of the Ga Traditional Council on the government’s proposed 24-hour market project to be constructed at Agbogbloshie Market.
The engagement was to formally introduce the project team to the traditional authorities, explain the scope and implementation timelines, and seek the blessings and support of the custodians of the land before construction commenced.
The proposed market, to be developed on a four-acre site, will combine the traditional open-market concept with modern commercial infrastructure and will feature shops, sheds, stalls, warehouses, a supermarket, restaurants, cold stores, a meat section with a livestock bay, as well as lettable office spaces.
The facility will also include a police post, fire service post, clinic, pharmacy, daycare centre, women’s bank and limited accommodation for traders who may need to remain at the market overnight.
Speaking during the visit, the Mayor of said the development of Accra required the collective support of the government, traditional authorities, the Assembly, traders and other stakeholders.
He explained that the project team had been brought before the Ga Traditional Council to provide direct information on the proposed development, including what would be constructed, the duration of the project and the expected completion period.
He stressed that it was important to seek the blessings of the traditional landowners before commencing any major development project in Accra.
The Mayor noted that modern markets had been constructed in Kumasi, Takoradi and Tamale, stressing that Accra also deserved significant investment to improve trading conditions and stimulate economic growth.
Mr. Allotey said he was determined to leave a meaningful development legacy and ensure that his tenure contributed to the transformation of the capital.
The Ga Mantse welcomed the Mayor and the project team and expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for the initiative.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II pledged the support of the Ga Traditional Council for the successful implementation of the project, noting that the facility would provide market women and other traders with a suitable environment to conduct their businesses.
Presenting the project design, the Project Architect from AESL Consult, Ms Abena Otchere, disclosed that the national initiative consisted of three market designs, Model 1, Model 2 and Model 3.
She said the construction would commence after the contractor had officially taken possession of the site, adding that the contract duration was 42 months from the official commencement date.
