"We are losing huge capital amidst debts and hypertension" — Relocated Takoradi market traders

Traders relocated from the Takoradi Market Circle have expressed concern over poor sales since their relocation five years ago, saying the situation has severely affected their livelihoods.

According to the traders, the persistent low patronage has left many of them heavily indebted, resulting in depression, hypertension and, in some cases, alleged deaths.

They are therefore calling on the government to urgently complete the remaining works on the abandoned Takoradi Market redevelopment project.

Speaking on behalf of the traders, Madam Lamisi Adam expressed disappointment over what she described as the lack of urgency shown by the city authorities, the Member of Parliament for Takoradi and traditional authorities regarding the completion of the market project.

She questioned why the Takoradi Market, one of the city's major commercial centres, had remained unfinished while work continued on other markets and sod had been cut for the construction of a 24 hour market.

The traders also complained about poor conditions at the temporary market, citing leaking roofs, theft and inadequate security as additional challenges affecting their businesses and daily lives.

“Livelihoods, families and dependents and even transportation continue to feel the pinch of the delayed project,” the traders said.

Frustrated by the prolonged delay, the traders announced that they had stopped paying market tolls from July 1, 2026, and would embark on a series of protest actions to press for the completion of the project and bring an end to their suffering.