Leaders of the Kwabenya New Market have called on President John Dramani Mahama to revoke the appointment of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ga East over an alleged attempt to evict traders from a temporary market facility.
The traders made the call at a press conference held at the Kwabenya New Market in the Ga East Municipality, where they expressed concerns over what they described as intimidation by the MCE in connection with the government’s 24-hour market project.
According to the market women and traders, the temporary facility was allocated to them by President Mahama to enable them to continue their businesses while construction of the 24-hour market is underway.
They alleged that the MCE has, however, threatened to remove them from the facility, a move they say is contrary to directives from the President.
The traders contend that any attempt to evict them without providing an alternative arrangement could disrupt their livelihoods and affect hundreds of people who depend on the market for their daily income.
Speaking at the press conference, Assistant General Secretary of the market women, Adwoa Adepa Adonteng, accused the MCE of defying directives from President Mahama.
She said the traders could not understand why the MCE would seek to remove them from a facility they claim was temporarily allocated to them by the President.
The traders are therefore appealing directly to President Mahama to intervene in the matter and revoke the MCE’s appointment with immediate effect.
They stressed that they support the government’s 24-hour economy agenda and the development of the market, but want the process to be carried out through proper consultation and with their livelihoods protected.
The market leaders are also demanding clarity from the authorities on the implementation of the project and the future of the temporary facility.
They say they remain ready to engage government and other stakeholders to find an amicable solution to the dispute.
The development comes amid the government’s push to implement its 24-hour economy policy, which seeks to expand economic activity and create more employment opportunities across the country.
By Joseph Yugtii
