Residents of Ahafo Ano South East Constituency in the Ashanti Region have fiercely remonstrated against a decision by their Member of Parliament, Honourable Mohammed Yakubu, to have the 24-hour Economy Market project constructed in his hometown, Abesewa, instead of the economically active district capital, Adugyama, whose market has, for many years, been fraught with infrastructural challenges.
Addressing a press conference, Convenor and Spokesperson for the aggrieved persons, Inusah Issifu, argued that Abesewa – a relatively smaller town – has no market needs because of its proximity to Bechem. Describing the urgency of Adugyama’s market needs, he said hundreds of traders who ferry their produce from distant villages have no option but to sprawl them on the bare floor across people’s private residences in a heavily congested and unhygienic environment.
According to the group, instead of stimulating economic activity and boosting productivity, the siting of the 24-hour Economy Market at Abesewa would only create an unnecessary duplicity at the expense of Adugyama.
Additionally, the group has also expressed disappointment in the District Chief Executive, Honourable Ibrahim Yamba Nelson Issaka for standing against the general interest of the constituency. They have, therefore, appealed to the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, to ensure an immediate relocation of the project to Adugyama before the official Sod-Cutting Ceremony by President John Dramani Mahama later this week.
In an interview, the traders vowed to strongly resist any attempt to construct the project in Abesewa, insisting that Adugyama remains the most appropriate location for the facility. They stressed that the Adugyama market, which has existed for over seven decades, still lacks a public place of convenience, a situation they say underscores the urgent need for redevelopment in the area.
