The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has begun its 2019 engagement with leadership and representatives of various markets in Accra to discuss issues pertaining to the development and management of the markets.
The maiden meeting, which was held at the Accra City Hall on Tuesday was attended by representatives and leadership of 25 markets within the city of Accra including those from the Agbogboshie Market, Adabraka Market, Kaneshie Market, Kantamanto Market, London Market, Makola 31st December Market, Makola No. 2, Mallam Atta Market, Odornaa Market, Olam Market, Osu Market, Salaga Market, Tema Station, Tuesday Market, Yam Market and the Kwasia Juaso Market, among others.
The issues discussed included the decongestion of pedestrians walkways and streets, reallocation of empty sheds and shops, revenue generation and mobilization as well as sanitation and security among others.
Chief Executive Officer of the AMA, Mohammed Adjei Sowah, set the tone for the discussion by pointing out that he believes in engagement and consultation in order to build consensus and mitigate resistance before implementing programmes and activities.
He expressed concerns over the continuous occupying of streets and pedestrians walkways by traders and hawkers while sheds and shops in public markets remained empty.
He announced plans to reallocate all empty sheds to traders who were willing to operate in the market, adding that Quit Order notices had been pasted on all empty sheds and shops for occupants to vacate and hand over the shops as soon as possible.
The notices he noted was premise on the Assembly’s right of re-entry and recovery of the shop allocated to traders who have abandoned or closed them for over 12 months and failed to pay rent arrears when they were due.
He called for support from the market leaders to ensure that sanity is restored in the markets in order to boost sales.
As key stakeholders, he urged the market leaders to support the AMA with innovative ideas and suggestions which when adopted and implemented would enhance the development and management of the markets.
The leadership of the Greater Accra Market Association (GAMA), led by its President Madam Mercy Afoowa Needjan, pledged their support to the AMA to reallocate abandoned sheds and shops, clear all traders off the pedestrian walkways, to revive and develop the markets.
They urged the assembly to roll out measures to ensure sanity and discipline in the markets and its immediate environment.
The meeting is expected to be held every month.
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By: citinewsroom.com | Ghana