A GHS multi-million 24-Hour Economy Market project in Mankranso has stalled due to significant flood risk concerns raised by local residents. The project, intended to boost local commerce, faces strong opposition over its proposed site behind the Asuo Mankra stream.
Residents of the Ahafo-Ano South West District describe the chosen location as a flood-prone zone. They warn that continuing the project there would be a waste of taxpayer money and would threaten the market's long-term success. The land is waterlogged, lying directly on the banks of a stream known to overflow during rains.
This situation fits into a broader national challenge Ghana faces with urban planning and infrastructure development in flood-prone areas. Many regions, including the capital Accra, regularly experience severe flooding. Government initiatives often encounter difficulties when initial site assessments overlook critical environmental factors. Prior government projects, such as sections of Agenda 111, have also faced scrutiny over their site selections.
One anonymous resident explained, “The land earmarked for the project is not suitable because it is waterlogged and lies on the banks of the Mankran River.” He added that extensive land filling would block waterways, making the project unviable. Kwame Ofori, another resident, warned against the huge costs of landfilling and future access problems for traders and buyers. These issues could render the entire project useless.
The residents are appealing to the Ahafo-Ano South West District Assembly, the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, and the central government. They seek a thorough environmental assessment and demand relocation of the project to a more suitable, higher ground. They question the logic of selecting a flood-prone zone when flooding is a country-wide problem.
Abubakar Sedik, the District Chief Executive of Ahafo-Ano South West, has acknowledged that a portion of the land is waterlogged. However, he maintains that a proper assessment was conducted before construction was approved. He stated that the project consultant confirmed the site's suitability, suggesting only a “small filling” would make it viable. Sedik noted that the site offers a strategic location to boost trade. He also cited other projects, like Agenda 111 facilities, built on similar land without issues. He also promised the construction of drainage channels to mitigate future flooding concerns.
The 24-Hour Economy Market is part of a larger government strategy to stimulate local economies and create employment. This is achieved through continuous trading activities. However, residents argue that building in a flood-prone area undermines these goals. Poor accessibility and repeated flood damage would hinder the market's operation and deter both traders and customers. The cost of frequent repairs or mitigation efforts could also strain public finances. This ongoing dispute highlights the importance of comprehensive environmental impact assessments for all public sector projects. It also stresses the need for transparent community engagement to avoid costly delays and potential project failures.