Traders and market women at Mpraeso in the Kwahu South Municipality of the Eastern Region have staged a demonstration against plans by the Assembly to commence construction of a proposed 24-hour economy market.
The traders say they are not opposed to the project itself but are demanding more time and adequate relocation arrangements before they are moved from the current market space.
According to them, the Municipal Assembly has issued a one-week deadline for them to vacate the market to allow construction work to begin, a decision they describe as too abrupt.
Some of the demonstrators argued that the temporary site allocated to them is too small to accommodate all affected traders, raising concerns about disruption to their businesses and livelihoods.
The Market Queen Mother, Nana Akua Agyeiwaa, appealed to the authorities to extend the deadline to allow traders properly relocate their goods and adjust their operations.
She further called for a more suitable alternative site to ease congestion and prevent financial losses during the relocation period.
Other traders also appealed to the Assembly to consider relocating them temporarily to either the Mpraeso Sports Stadium or the Social Centre until the project is completed.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Chief Executive for Kwahu South, David Effah Osei Bonsu, has maintained that the one-week deadline will stand.
He explained that extensive consultations had already been held with traders prior to the announcement of the project.
According to him, the Mpraeso Sports Stadium cannot be used as a temporary relocation site as it is earmarked for Okwawu United FC’s home matches, while the Social Centre is privately owned.
