Takoradi NPP MP threatens to boycott 2027 budget over stalled market circle project

Member of Parliament for Takoradi, Kobina Okyere Darko-Mensah

The Member of Parliament for Takoradi, Kobina Okyere Darko-Mensah, has threatened to boycott the 2027 Budget together with his constituents if the stalled Takoradi Market Circle redevelopment project is not included in the government's spending plans and construction resumed.

Addressing Parliament during proceedings on the Business Statement, the MP urged the government to prioritise the project, arguing that it had remained abandoned for years despite being substantially completed.

He questioned why the redevelopment had not received attention in the 2025 and 2026 budgets, even though other unfinished projects inherited from the previous administration had been captured as government priorities.

Darko-Mensah said the Market Circle project, which was about 80 per cent complete before work stalled, could be finished within the next year if the government demonstrated the necessary commitment.

He expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the past 2 years, despite repeated expectations that work would resume.

“For two years, zero per cent was done in 2025 and in 2026, another zero per cent has been done in 2026,” he stated.

The MP also criticised what he described as inadequate consultation with Members of Parliament during the preparation of national budgets, stressing that MPs must have a meaningful role in ensuring that the needs of their constituents are addressed.

He called for a clear assurance that construction would resume in 2027, warning that failure to make financial provision for the project could compel him and residents of the constituency to reject the budget.

“We want to be sure that in 2027, at least some work will be done on the Market Circle, for otherwise we’ll be forced to boycott it,” he warned.

The redevelopment project, which began in 2020, was financed through a €48 million Italian loan, with Contracta Costruzioni Italia serving as the contractor. Work was suspended in March 2023 amid Ghana's debt restructuring programme under the International Monetary Fund.

Before the suspension, the project was estimated to be between 62 and 80 per cent complete.

The delay has left traders operating from temporary market facilities after they were relocated to make way for the redevelopment. Traders have since complained about poor conditions, citing leaking roofs, theft and declining sales.

Some have also threatened to withhold market toll payments in protest against the prolonged delay.

Despite government assurances that the project would be completed, the absence of construction activity in 2025 and 2026 has intensified concerns among traders and residents, prompting the Takoradi MP to demand a firm commitment in the 2027 Budget.