Mahama Ayariga pledges to complete stalled market projects in Tamale

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has announced a government commitment to complete stalled market infrastructure projects at the Aboabo and Tamale Central Markets. During a fact-finding visit to the sites in the Northern Region, the Minister expressed concern over the state of the unfinished structures, describing the long-term abandonment of such projects as a significant waste of public funds. He noted that revitalizing these sites is essential to ensuring that previous investments yield their intended benefits for the local economy.

Addressing the anxieties of the local business community, Ayariga assured traders that the upcoming construction and redevelopment works would not result in the displacement of current occupants. He explained that the primary objective of completing the structures is to expand the markets' total capacity, thereby creating more space to accommodate additional vendors who currently operate in suboptimal conditions. The Minister emphasized that the project is intended to be inclusive, fostering growth without disrupting the livelihoods of those already established in the markets.

Ayariga further stated that the ministry intends to involve the traders directly in the redevelopment process, ensuring that the final designs and operational plans reflect the needs of the people using the facilities. He framed this initiative as part of a larger national directive from President John Mahama to identify and finish long-standing, abandoned projects across various sectors. By prioritizing the completion of these markets, the administration aims to fulfill its pledge to enhance urban infrastructure and support the informal economic sector through modernized trading hubs.