Tema West has joined the nationwide rollout of the government’s 24-Hour Economy Model Market initiative with the cutting of sod for the redevelopment of the Community 2 Market.
The ceremony follows the national programme announced by President John Dramani Mahama to construct modern markets across all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.
Speaking at the Tema West ceremony, Member of Parliament for the area, Lawyer James Enu, said the Community 2 project would create jobs, improve conditions for traders and expand economic activity within the municipality.
“This occasion marks an important step in our efforts to create more opportunities for our people, support our traders and businesses, create jobs and expand economic activity in Tema West,” he said.
The Community 2 Market has served as an important centre of commerce for market women, retailers, food vendors and residents for several years.
Mr Enu said its redevelopment had become necessary as the population and commercial activities within Tema West continued to grow.
“Our traders deserve a market that is safe, organised, clean and suitable for the demands of a modern and growing community,” he said.
The project is expected to transform the existing facility into a modern commercial centre capable of supporting economic activity throughout the day and into the night.
It will include improved trading spaces, cold-storage facilities, warehouses, reliable water supply, sanitation systems, better waste management, adequate lighting and enhanced security.
The broader national market model also provides for facilities such as banking services, clinics, fire and police posts, transport terminals and childcare centres.
Mr Enu said the cold-storage facilities would be particularly beneficial to traders dealing in food and other perishable goods.
“These facilities will help reduce waste and post-harvest losses while allowing our traders to preserve their goods, protect their investments and improve their businesses,” he said.
The project is expected to extend trading beyond the traditional operating hours and create opportunities for traders, transport operators, security personnel, cleaners, technicians and other service providers.
Its location within Tema, one of Ghana’s major industrial and commercial centres, is also expected to strengthen links between local trading, transport services and businesses operating around the port and industrial enclave.
The MP assured traders that the Municipal Assembly would continue to engage them to reduce disruptions during the construction period.
He also charged the contractors, engineers and consultants to deliver the project on time and according to the approved specifications.
“We expect quality work, proper supervision and strict adherence to the agreed specifications and timelines,” Mr Enu said.
He further urged the contractors to employ qualified young people from Tema West during the construction phase.
By Wisdom Sarfo
