Shop owners at the Nungua Market have expressed strong opposition to plans to demolish their shops to make way for the construction of a proposed 24-hour economy market.
The traders, while acknowledging the potential benefits of the government’s 24-hour economy initiative, have called on authorities to consider renovating the existing Nungua Market instead of demolishing the structures and disrupting their businesses.
The Nungua Market Shop Owners Association, which reportedly has about 250 members, says many of its members have invested significant amounts of money in their shops over the years.
Some traders are said to have taken loans to purchase or construct their business spaces, making the prospect of demolition a major concern for them.
According to the shop owners, a lengthy construction period could seriously affect their livelihoods, particularly if they are required to vacate the market without a clear and suitable relocation arrangement.
They argue that moving to temporary locations could create additional financial pressure, as traders would have to secure new spaces while also trying to maintain their businesses and meet existing financial obligations.
The concerns are particularly significant for women traders who depend on their businesses to support their families.
The shop owners have therefore appealed to the authorities to explore renovation as an alternative. They believe the existing market could be upgraded and modernised without completely destroying the businesses and investments that have been built there over the years.
The traders have also raised questions about their financial obligations relating to the market. They reportedly questioned why they have continued paying annual ground rent since 2021 despite concerns about the condition and maintenance of the facility.
For the shop owners, the proposed redevelopment should involve extensive consultation with those who will be directly affected before any demolition takes place.
They want authorities to provide clear information about the project’s timeline, relocation arrangements and how traders’ investments will be protected.
The concerns come as the Krowor Municipal Assembly intensifies stakeholder engagement ahead of the proposed 24-hour economy market project at the Nungua Sookpoti Market. The Assembly says the project is intended to create a modern and well-organised trading environment while improving sanitation, safety and accessibility.
The proposed facility is expected to include a range of amenities, including shops and stalls, warehouses, restaurants, a clinic, a creche, cold stores, a police station and a fire station.
Authorities have argued that the development could stimulate economic activity, create employment opportunities and provide better conditions for traders and residents in the municipality.
However, the Nungua shop owners maintain that development should not come at the expense of existing livelihoods.
The Krowor Municipal Chief Executive, Ing. Paul Afotey Quaye, has reportedly engaged stakeholders over the redevelopment plans, with efforts underway to address concerns raised by traders.
The situation highlights the wider challenge facing authorities as they seek to implement 24-hour economy market projects across Ghana while managing the concerns of traders whose businesses occupy proposed project sites.
For the Nungua traders, the preferred solution remains the renovation and improvement of the existing market rather than its complete demolition.
They are therefore calling for continued dialogue with the municipal authorities and other stakeholders to find a solution that will allow the proposed development to proceed while protecting their businesses and investments.
Source: Thepressradio.com
