The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has assured traders at the Tamale Aboabo Market that the government will complete the long-abandoned market complex, dismissing fears that the existing structure could be demolished.
Mr Ayariga gave the assurance on Monday, October 12, 2026, during a visit to the market to engage traders and discuss plans to complete the unfinished facility.
He said the government’s intention was to complete the existing structure to provide additional trading spaces and improve commercial activities, not to demolish it and displace traders.
The minister recalled that he had visited the market with President John Dramani Mahama before the 2024 general election, when a commitment was made to complete the project.
He said the latest engagement formed part of efforts to fulfil that commitment and address concerns raised by the market leadership over the future of the facility.
Mr Ayariga listened to the traders’ concerns and assured them that their grievances would receive the necessary attention.
The minister was accompanied by the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John; Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, Sayibu Alhassan Suhuyini; and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, among other officials.
During the visit, Mr Suhuyini briefed the market leadership on plans for Tamale’s first, second and third ring roads, which are expected to improve connectivity within the metropolis and ease the movement of people and goods.
He said the proposed road network would improve access to different parts of the city and support traders who rely on efficient transportation to move their merchandise.
Mr Adolf John, meanwhile, urged traders to cooperate with the government and relevant authorities to facilitate the completion of the market complex.
He stressed the importance of collaboration among government officials, traditional authorities, market leaders and traders in addressing challenges associated with development projects.
The delegation subsequently inspected other ongoing projects around the Aboabo Market before visiting the Tamale Central Market to assess the progress of development works.
The visits formed part of the minister’s tour of development projects in the Northern Region, with a focus on market infrastructure, road connectivity and concerns raised by local stakeholders.
The government is expected to provide additional trading facilities through the completion of the Aboabo Market complex, although no completion date was announced during the engagement.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
