Local Government Minister assures traders in Tamale that the project will expand market capacity without displacing existing occupants.
The government’s planned redevelopment of the Aboabo Market in Tamale is aimed at creating space for more traders while improving existing facilities, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has said.
He gave the assurance on Monday, October 12, during a visit to the market with the Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, Alhassan Suhuyini, following concerns among traders that the redevelopment could lead to their eviction.
Mr. Ayariga said the government had no intention of forcing traders out but rather sought to upgrade the market to accommodate more businesses and improve trading conditions.
“We are not here to sack anybody. We have no plans of sacking anybody. We are here to develop what you are already managing so that it can take more people,” he said.
The minister said the redevelopment would focus on improving the existing market infrastructure and completing unfinished structures to ensure that resources already invested in the project were not wasted.
He added that the project was part of a commitment made by President John Dramani Mahama during the election campaign to improve the market.
The assurance comes amid agitation among traders over rumours that they would be evacuated to make way for the redevelopment.
Mr. Ayariga’s remarks were intended to address those concerns and reassure traders that the government’s plans centred on expanding and improving the market rather than displacing those who already depended on it for their livelihoods.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
