The Mampong Municipal Assembly has successfully held a sensitization exercise for market women and traders on the proposed construction of a 24-hour economy modern market, a transformative flagship project expected to significantly enhance commercial activities and drive sustainable economic development within the Municipality on 3rd June 2026.
The engagement brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including the Municipal Chief Executive, Issifu Yakubu, the Mampong Market Queen, the Presiding Member, the Traditional Councl, the Revenue Head of the Assembly, the Municipal Internal Auditor, officials of the Mampong Municipal Assembly, as well as representatives from various trader associations and market leadership structures.
The purpose of the meeting was to inform, educate, and engage traders on the scope of the project, the implementation process, and the expected impact on their livelihoods. It also served as a platform for dialogue between the Assembly and the trading community to ensure transparency and cooperation throughout the project cycle.
Addressing the gathering, the MCE explained that the initiative forms part of government’s broader agenda to modernize market infrastructure and promote a vibrant 24-hour economy that will enhance productivity and commercial growth. He emphasized that the existing market structure will be demolished to pave the way for the construction of a new, ultra-modern facility designed to meet current urban planning and development standards.
He assured the traders that the redevelopment project is not only aimed at improving infrastructure but also at creating a safer, more organized, and more efficient trading environment. According to him, the new market will be equipped with modern facilities including improved lighting systems to support night trading, enhanced security arrangements to protect traders and their goods, well-designed drainage systems to prevent flooding, adequate sanitation facilities to promote hygiene, school to absorb their children; and clearly demarcated trading zones to reduce congestion and improve movement within the market.
The MCE further noted that the project is expected to spearhead economic expansion by attracting more buyers and investors from surrounding communities and beyond. He added that the improved structure will also contribute to increased internally generated revenue for the Assembly, while simultaneously boosting the incomes of traders through increased customer access and extended trading hours.
On relocation arrangements, officials of the Assembly announced that a temporary market site has been secured and properly planned to accommodate all affected traders during the demolition and construction phase. The temporary facility, they assured, will be organized into structured trading sections and supported with basic amenities to ensure that trading activities continue smoothly without major disruption.
They further emphasized that the relocation process will be carried out in a transparent and inclusive manner, with continuous engagement between the Assembly, market leadership, and traders to address any challenges that may arise during the transition period. Traders were encouraged to cooperate fully with authorities to ensure the timely and successful execution of the project.
The Revenue Head of the Assembly also underscored the importance of the project in strengthening revenue mobilization systems within the Municipality. He noted that an organized and modern market environment would improve compliance, reduce revenue leakages, and enhance efficient collection systems, ultimately contributing to local development.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, the Mampong Market Queen welcomed the initiative and expressed gratitude to the Assembly for involving stakeholders from the outset. She acknowledged the potential benefits of the project but appealed for fairness, adequate support, and continuous consultation to ensure that traders’ livelihoods are safeguarded during the transition period.
Other stakeholders present at the meeting encouraged market women to remain supportive of the project, stressing that while the demolition and relocation process may pose temporary inconveniences, the long-term benefits of the modern market facility would far outweigh the challenges.
The sensitization exercise forms part of the Mampong Municipal Assembly’s ongoing commitment to improving urban infrastructure, enhancing sanitation and security in trading environments, and promoting inclusive economic development through the establishment of a sustainable 24-hour economy trading hub.
–Ferdinand Alifo, MMA MIS