There is palpable tension at the Jubilee Park in Takoradi as the Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly enforces its order for traders and transport operators to vacate the place in order to return it to its original use.
Several attempts in the past had been unsuccessful. Whilst the transport operators have taken a court action, the traders continue to plead for extension of time.
The Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly had issued a prohibition order on October 1, 2025 on the conduct of commercial transportation services at and around the Jubilee Park from Monday, October 6, 2025.
But this is not the first time such an order has been made. The Jubilee market was established in 2019 to help decongest the Takoradi Market circle during the Covid epidemic. Several attempts to revert it to its original use have been unsuccessful.
Concerns have been raised over the poor sanitation at the place, among others, prompting the regional administration to get involved in dealing with the situation. With the Takoradi Market still under construction, the authorities are hopeful of reviving the Apremdo market at Abenbebom, which has become a white elephant.
On Sunday, October 5, a team of military officers was already in place ahead of Monday. But true to form on the Monday, around 5 a.m when Connect News got to the place, dozens of commercial vehicles had their engines revving, ready to transport passengers to various destinations.
Though this time round, not parked on the terminal. The traders who have till Monday, Oct 13 are however pleading for more time to adequately prepare to move.
Regina Amissah, a trader in fruits, fears there is little time for her to prepare to vacate the premises. She is troubled not only for herself but other petty traders who make a living by selling her stock.
“We cannot defy the order but we plead authorities reconsider the deadline for evacuation. Earlier, we were made to understand the eviction is scheduled for December this year. Where else can we go? There are no assurances the new place is ready to take up the numbers from this market,” she added.
Meanwhile, the assembly has rehabilitated road networks leading to and running through the Abenbebom market. The area designated for bulk breaking has been graveled in preparation for its full operationalization. While some traders at Jubilee Park are hesitant to relocate, others have taken steps to rebuild their sheds. Traders here at Abenbebom are excited about the decision by the assembly. They are hopeful that the move will revive the rather dull market.
“Business hasn’t been that good. We are hopeful their coming here will revive the market and business will flourish. I have been carrying this load [food] since morning…sales are that bad here now,” a porridge vendor noted.
For one fashion designer the current marketing condition at Abenbebom is saddening. She said; “this market will come alive once again should the traders at Jubilee Park agree to relocate to this market…we are expecting them.”
Armed Military and Police Presence
Agents of Raman Transport Services are going about their business at the outskirts of their terminal despite the heavy presence of armed military and police personnel. Trotro and other commercial vehicles are busily loading on the road leading from the PTC Interchange to Agona Nkwanta.
Right opposite the terminal, is another station designated to shuttle passengers to Mankessim and Accra. Traffic builds up intermittently as a result of this operation, and it is feared it could get worse during the rush hours.
Sources say the armed military and police personnel will be stationed at the terminal until the assembly successfully evict all traders and transport operators from the Jubilee Park enclave.
For now, Sekondi Takoradi residents are keenly monitoring events, particularly with how the Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal authority and the Regional Coordinating Council get to enforce the eviction. The transport operator has since filed an application at the Sekondi High court challenging the eviction order of the assembly.
