The Minority in Parliament has called on the government to deepen consultations with traders and residents before rolling out its 24-Hour Market Programme, amid growing concerns over plans to demolish and redevelop some existing markets.
Ranking Member on Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee, Francis Asenso-Boakye, said communities directly affected by the projects must be given a meaningful opportunity to contribute to decisions that could affect their businesses, livelihoods and existing infrastructure.
Speaking at a press conference in Parliament on Monday, September 14, Mr Asenso-Boakye cited resistance from traders at Nungua Market, who have proposed rehabilitating the facility, which is more than 50 years old, rather than demolishing it.
He also mentioned concerns raised over proposed projects at Kwabenya, Aiyinase Main Market in the Ellembelle Municipality, Ashaiman and Kokomba.
According to him, residents of Barekese in the Ashanti Region have also threatened demonstrations over the planned project.
Mr Asenso-Boakye stressed that consultation should not be limited to informing communities after key decisions have already been made.
He called for District Assemblies, traders, traditional authorities and residents to be involved in decisions regarding the location, design and operation of the proposed markets.
“Government must pause, listen to the affected communities, review the programme and get it right,” he said.
The Minority, he added, supports investment in modern markets but believes such projects should be guided by genuine local needs and meaningful engagement with the communities that will be affected.
By:Rachael Djabakie