The relocation exercise, supervised by Mr. Safo Nketia, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), forms part of efforts by the Assembly to improve the trading environment and create space for the development of modern economic infrastructure.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Nketia said the Assembly had used portions of its Common Fund to construct the new market structures to provide traders with a more organised and conducive environment for their businesses.

Portions of the old market site had been cleared to make way for the construction of facilities under the 24-hour economy initiative, which is expected to stimulate economic activity and create employment opportunities for residents.

Mr Nketia said the Assembly initially faced challenges in securing suitable land for the relocation of the traders.

He, however, noted that the intervention of traditional authorities, who made land available for the new market site, enabled the Assembly to successfully carry out the relocation exercise.

The MCE said work on the 24-hour economy project was progressing steadily and expressed optimism that it would be completed by next year.

He said the Assembly remained committed to providing the necessary infrastructure to support traders and businesses while expanding the Municipality’s economic base.

Responding to concerns raised by some political opponents, particularly members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), about the feasibility of the 24-hour economy initiative, Mr. Nketia said ongoing developments demonstrated the Assembly’s commitment to translating the policy into practical and visible projects.

He explained that the construction of the new market sheds was intended to ensure that traders were not unduly displaced by the development project but were provided with alternative facilities to enable them to continue their businesses.

Mr. Nketia said a vibrant and well-organised market was essential to the Municipality’s economic growth, adding that increased trading activities would also boost the Assembly’s Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to support further development initiatives.

The traders, led by Madam Esther Abena Adeti, said although they were initially unhappy about the relocation, they had gradually come to appreciate the improved conditions at the new market site.

She said the new facilities provided a more comfortable, safer and better-organised environment for trading and expressed appreciation to the Assembly for providing alternative structures to support their livelihoods.