The Member of Parliament for Suhum, Hon. Frank Asiedu Bekoe, has called on the Suhum Municipal Assembly to complete the proposed 24-Hour Economy Market before relocating traders from the Amponsah Market.
According to the MP, relocating more than 1,000 traders without providing a ready alternative could disrupt their businesses and adversely affect the livelihoods of market women who depend on daily sales to support themselves and their families.
The call follows concerns over plans by the Suhum Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Lydia Ohenewa Sarah, to demolish the existing Amponsah Market to pave the way for a private developer.
The traders, who have reportedly been given an ultimatum to vacate the market, have petitioned the office of the MP and the Suhum Traditional Council to intervene in the matter.
Speaking on the issue, Hon. Asiedu Bekoe said the Assembly should first ensure that the proposed 24-Hour Economy Market is completed and properly equipped before any demolition or relocation exercise is undertaken.
“The MCE is going to demolish the Amponsah Market and has given an ultimatum to over 1,000 traders to leave with no alternative place. The traders have therefore petitioned my office and the Traditional Council,” he said.
He added: “My argument is that before the MCE makes any move, she has to complete the 24-Hour Economy Market and move these traders there before she can demolish the Amponsah Market for a private developer to take over.”
The Suhum MP urged the Municipal Assembly to prioritise the completion of the new market and ensure that sufficient and suitable trading spaces are available before the relocation of traders begins.
He stressed that although redevelopment and infrastructure projects are important to the growth of the municipality, such projects should not come at the expense of traders whose livelihoods depend on the market.
Hon. Bekoe further cautioned that relocating the traders without an alternative facility could force many of them to suspend their businesses, particularly at a time when the municipality is preparing for the upcoming Odwira Festival, a period when commercial activities are expected to increase.
He therefore appealed to the MCE and the Assembly to engage the affected traders and other stakeholders to find an amicable solution that protects their businesses while allowing the municipality to pursue its redevelopment plans.
The MP made the remarks during an engagement with the Suhum Traditional Council as part of activities marking the Akwasidae celebration.
Beyond the market redevelopment issue, Hon. Asiedu Bekoe raised concerns about drug abuse and the increasing use and misuse of motorcycles, commonly known as Okada, within the municipality.
He called for stronger collaboration among traditional authorities, the Municipal Assembly, security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders to address issues that pose risks to public safety and the wellbeing of young people.
Hon. Asiedu Bekoe also expressed his appreciation to the Suhumhene, Osabarima Ayeh Kofi Opare, the Queenmother, Nana Ako Bensua, and other traditional leaders for their continued support and contributions towards the development of Suhum.
He reaffirmed the need for continued collaboration between political authorities and the traditional leadership to address the municipality’s development challenges and improve the welfare of residents.
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