Construction of the proposed Agbogbloshie 24-Hour Market Project is nearing commencement, with the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, engaging traders and other stakeholders as part of preparations to pave the way for the start of work.
The Mayor’s engagement was to formally introduce the contractor responsible for the government’s flagship initiative.
The proposed facility is expected to include a police post, fire service post, clinic, pharmacy, daycare centre, bank, warehouses, cold stores, restaurants, food court, supermarket, poultry section, storage areas and rest facilities for traders arriving from outside Accra.
Other facilities included warehouses, cold stores, meat shops, restaurants, a supermarket, a food court and designated spaces for poultry and other specialised commercial activities.
Addressing the traders, Mr. Kpakpo Allotey said President John Dramani Mahama respected the people of Agbogbloshie and was committed to developing a modern market that would support trading activities throughout the day and night.
He said the project formed part of the government’s 24-hour economy agenda and was intended to create a safe, organised and well-equipped environment where traders could conduct business around the clock.
He urged the traders to organise themselves, identify their priorities and submit their proposals to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly for consideration during further discussions with the contractor and project consultants.
According to him, the legitimate and practical interests of the traders consistent with the government’s objective of developing a modern 24-hour market would be incorporated into the project.
He cautioned the traders against presenting demands that could frustrate or delay the project, stressing that the development was being financed by the government for the collective benefit of traders, customers and the wider public.
He advised the traders to clearly state the facilities required for their respective businesses, including sheds, shops, cemented trading spaces, water, electricity, storage facilities and other essential amenities.
The Mayor noted that the operational needs of traders differed according to the nature of their businesses and said the project would seek to provide suitable spaces for the various categories of traders.
He cited yam traders as an example, explaining that they might prefer open, cemented spaces with sheds, water and lighting instead of enclosed shops, adding that the Assembly would ensure that the design of the 24-hour market promoted safety, cleanliness, convenience and uninterrupted business activities.
He pointed to the redevelopment of the Kejetia Market in Kumasi as an example of modern commercial infrastructure and said Accra also deserved a major market development that matched its status as the national capital.
Presenting details of the project, a representative of the contractor said the 24-hour market assured the traders that the design had been informed by an assessment of their daily activities and was intended to improve accessibility, sanitation, safety and the profitability of their businesses.
