Traders move from Takoradi Market Circle

Trading at the Takoradi Central Market, popularly called Market Circle, has ceased as traders have finally relocated to a temporary trading area to pave the way for the reconstruction of the 90-year-old market centre.

Trading has picked up briskly at the temporary market just a day after the suspension of trading activities at the old market.

The traders will continue to use the new place until the completion of the proposed market complex with enhanced features in 36 months.

Only a few traders are still moving their wares from the Market Circle to the new location as they finally yielded to an ultimatum to cease trading at the famous market centre by last Monday.

The contractor and ground staff have started fencing the round pavilion, which is now a largely restricted area, for the reconstruction to take off.

Salvaging items

Last weekend, traders were seen busily salvaging some items as the movement to the new place became increasingly unavoidable.

Some were removing roofing sheets, metallic gates, electrical fittings, tables, stands, among others, for use at the new trading area, the Daily Graphic observed.

The exercise travelled deep into the night, and resumed as early as 5:30 a.m., with electricians, carpenters, construction workers, welders, among other artisans, doing brisk business at both the old and temporary markets.

Meanwhile, security personnel from the army, police and the Ghana National Fire Service were deployed to secure the wares of traders at both ends, while the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) assisted with transport for some categories of traders to ease their movement to the new site.

Assembly satisfied

A day after the ultimatum expired, the Chief Executive of the STMA, Mr Abdul M. Issah, said more than 85 per cent of existing traders had already moved, adding that “we are hopeful that everyone will move before the end of the week to enable the assembly to hand over the market to the contractor to begin the redevelopment work”.

“For those selling on the street corners, there are some areas at the new site that could be explored for their activities,” he added.

Mr Issah said those trading in restricted areas, especially under improvised structures and umbrellas at the street corners, would not be allowed to continue.

He said the assembly’s main focus was to ensure that every trader settled at the new place, and commended the traders for their cooperation.

“We were anticipating a high level of resistance, but over the weekend, the traders were busily relocating voluntarily,” he said.

“Currently, the traders are moving their wares, and I am happy to report that the cooperation on the side of the traders is very commendable,” he added.