Members of the Concerned Traders of New Central Market in Takoradi will cease paying market tolls to the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis Assembly (STMA) from July 1, 2026. This decision protests the prolonged delay in completing the Takoradi Market Circle redevelopment project, valued at €48 million.
The traders accuse the STMA of failing to improve their temporary market location. They relocated in 2021 to a temporary site near the Ahenfie hotel to allow for redevelopment. The original promise assured completion within two years, but the project remains unfinished five years later, causing significant hardship for the vendors.
This situation highlights ongoing challenges in major infrastructure projects across Ghana. Such delays strain local economies and impact the livelihoods of informal sector workers, a significant portion of Ghana's workforce. Delays often lead to cost escalations and lost revenue for local assemblies, affecting public finance planning.
Spokesperson Lamisi Adam confirmed the traders' resolve. She stated that no market woman would pay levies until their concerns are addressed. Ms. Adam emphasized the traders were initially told the temporary market would only be used for two years. They have now endured approximately five years in the temporary facility without a clear completion timeline for the new market.
The current impasse could escalate, potentially impacting STMA's revenue collection and triggering further protests. Decision-makers in the regional administration and the central government will need to engage with the traders. Resolving this dispute is crucial to prevent further economic disruption and ensure the successful completion of the vital market project. The outcome will influence public trust in government-led infrastructure initiatives and timely project delivery.
The €48 million redevelopment project, intended to modernize the Takoradi Market Circle, has faced significant setbacks. These setbacks span across different government administrations. The traders report that the temporary market has become unsafe and unhygienic, posing daily risks to their lives. They have held press conferences and protests, demanding urgent intervention and clear communication from authorities. The continuous delay impacts economic activities and affects hundreds of small businesses reliant on the market. Ghana's economy relies heavily on market activities, making such disruptions particularly impactful. The lack of clear timelines creates uncertainty, hindering traders' ability to plan and invest in their businesses. This uncertainty also undermines the intended economic benefits of modern market infrastructure.