Gov’t Re-scopes Model Market Projects for Faster Completion
The Government has re-scoped the construction of model markets across the country into two phases to accelerate the completion of market stores and sheds, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr Mahama Ayariga, has announced.
Under the revised approach, the first phase will focus on the completion of market stores and sheds, while social amenities will be added under the second phase.
Speaking during the Government Accountability Series, Mr Ayariga said the change was intended to ensure that market projects were completed in stages rather than allowing incomplete projects to delay the use of facilities by traders.
“We have re-scoped the market construction in phases to enable the early completion of the market stores and sheds component as Phase One and the addition of the social amenities component as the second phase,” he said.
He said Government had established a committee to assess the pace of work on the various market projects and review the performance of contractors.
Contractors who were found to lack the capacity to complete their projects would have their contracts terminated and reassigned to more capable contractors.
“We have set up a committee to review the pace of work and contractors who display lack of capacity will have their contracts terminated and reassigned to more competent contractors,” Mr Ayariga said.
He said funding for Phase One was available for contractors who were able to fulfil their contractual obligations.
“Funding for Phase One is readily available for those who complete their contracts,” he stated.
On the Kumasi Central Market Phase II and Takoradi Market Circle projects, Mr Ayariga said negotiations had been completed to enable contractors to return to site and resume work.
He also disclosed that the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, had approved the commencement of the contracting process for Phase III of the Kejetia Market project.
“Minister Dr Casiel Ato Forson has given us approval to commence work on contracting Contra to commence work on Phase III of Kejetia Market,” he said.
Mr Ayariga said discussions were ongoing with the contractor, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on the arrangements for delivering the project.
He further disclosed that the Finance Minister was preparing a broader market development programme to be announced in the 2027 Budget.
“Hon. Ato Forson has revealed to me an ambitious programme of market development across the country which he will announce in the 2027 Budget. I will reserve those for his personal announcement,” Mr Ayariga said.
The Local Government Minister said his Ministry would also explore financing options for other markets across the country.
He linked the Government’s market redevelopment programme to the 24-hour economy agenda, saying improved market infrastructure would create jobs while improving the conditions under which traders, particularly women, operate.
“Our commitment to market redevelopment across the country stems from the push for an economy that runs 24 Hours, to create jobs and improve the conditions under which our mothers who spend most of their weekdays in the market operate,” he said.
Mr Ayariga said the Government’s market programme was therefore not only about physical infrastructure but also about creating better conditions for local economic activity and improving livelihoods.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
