Konkomba Yam Market traders ask AMA to reconsider proposed 24-hour economy site | Ghanaguardian. com
The leadership of the Konkomba Yam Market has called on the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to abandon plans to build a 24-hour economy market on the site of the existing facility. Traders say demolishing the market would disrupt a key food distribution network serving Accra and neighbouring areas, while threatening the livelihoods of thousands of
The leadership of the Konkomba Yam Market has called on the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to abandon plans to build a 24-hour economy market on the site of the existing facility. Traders say demolishing the market would disrupt a key food distribution network serving Accra and neighbouring areas, while threatening the livelihoods of thousands of traders and workers who depend on its activity. Speaking at a press briefing, Tanyam Anthony, Secretary of the Council of Leadership of the Konkomba Yam Market, described the facility as a major food-supply hub for the capital and other parts of the country. “It will interest you to know that this area is a food basket of Accra, which feeds the national capital alongside its neighbouring markets,” he said. The market leadership said the facility plays an important role in moving yams from producers and suppliers to consumers across Ghana. It also supports exports, helping to generate employment and foreign exchange earnings. “The Konkomba Yam Market in particular is a venue where yams are acquired and exported to several locations, both locally and externally,” Anthony said. The traders stressed that they were not rejecting the government’s 24-hour economy initiative. Instead, they questioned why a new market serving a similar economic purpose should be built by removing an established centre that is already operating. “We admit that the decision or the idea for the proposed 24-hour economy is a laudable one,” Anthony said. “But should existing systems that are currently serving the same purpose as those intended by the 24-hour economy, should they be sacrificed by destroying the markets, especially the yam market, just to make way for the 24-hour economy?”Anthony urged the authorities to identify another location for the proposed project, rather than dismantling the Konkomba Yam Market. He also called for investment in the existing facility, including improved roads, better street lighting and stronger security arrangements. The market leadership believes those measures would strengthen operations and support traders without causing the disruption that demolition would bring. The appeal comes as the proposed 24-hour economy market is being considered for the site currently occupied by the Konkomba Yam Market. According to the traders, the location already performs the type of commercial and distribution role associated with the government’s initiative. “In our candid opinion, we do not think this is feasible and suggest that the authorities reconsider their decision,” Anthony said.