Tension is mounting at Klo-Agogo in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region as traditional authorities and the youth have threatened to block Assembly revenue collectors from operating in the community’s market.
They are accusing the Municipal Assembly of neglect and unfair treatment.
The irate residents say they are prepared to take over revenue collection at the Klo-Agogo market beginning from Tuesday, May 12, 2026, insisting that taxes generated from the market should be used directly for the development of the community.
The threat follows reports that the government’s proposed 24-hour economy market project, which the traditional leaders and the youth claim was promised to Klo-Agogo during the 2024 election campaign, may instead be sited in Somanya.
They said key government officials, including President John Dramani Mahama and Vice-President Na ana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, assured the people during campaign tours that Klo-Agogo will benefit from a modern central market project under the government’s 24-hour economy agenda.
The community is accusing the Municipal Chief Executive, Francis Addo Akumatey, of attempting to relocate the project to his home community despite Klo-Agogo hosting what residents describe as the largest and busiest market in the municipality.
Speaking at a press conference on May 11, the youth leader, Evans Djabanor, expressed frustration over what he described as years of neglect and marginalisation despite the huge revenue the market generates for the Assembly.
“We are sounding this warning that from Tuesday, May 12, 2026, we the youth are taking over the market. We will not allow any official from the Assembly to set foot in the market for revenue collection,” he warned.
He disclosed that the youth had already formed a task force to begin collecting taxes from traders so the community could independently manage the market and channel proceeds into local development projects.
According to him, Klo-Agogo has long contributed significantly to the municipality’s Internal Generated Funds (IGF) but has little to show in terms of development, particularly in road infrastructure and social amenities.
Mr Djabanor further called for a separate district to be carved out of the Yilo Krobo Municipality to ensure equitable development for the area.
The government’s 24-hour economy initiative forms part of President Mahama’s broader economic strategy aimed at establishing modern markets across 261 districts nationwide to stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and promote round-the-clock trading.
The proposed model markets are expected to include facilities such as clinics, banks, security posts, and other essential services to support continuous business operations.
The Agogo community secretary, Isaac Nuertey, said the Klo-Agogo market is in tatters.
They explained that traders endure severe hardship, especially during the rainy season when the market becomes muddy and difficult to access.
Mr Nuertey reminded the government of promises made by President Mahama during both the 2020 and 2024 campaign seasons after touring the market and witnessing its poor condition.
“President Mahama came to Klo-Agogo during the 2020 and 2024 campaigns and promised to build a modern market if re-elected. Even our Member of Parliament, Hon. Albert Tetteh Nyakotey, promised the same. So, what has changed?” he questioned.
The Chief of Klo-Agogo, Nene Odjeyem I, threw his support behind the youth’s decision to take over revenue collection, although he admitted the move may not be the best approach.
According to the chief, the community has been left behind in terms of development, and the youth’s decision reflects growing frustration among residents.
“At least the youth can use the proceeds for development, unlike the Assembly which has neglected my community,” he stated.
When contacted, the MCE, Francis Addo Akumatey, explained that the market plan has changed, hence the decision to move it from Klo-Agogo to Somanya.
He explained that the 24-hour market comes with status, which is district, municipal and metropolitan assembly, but that of Yilo Krobo has changed.
By Timothy Antwi-Otoo
