Cape Coast Metro ‘Abura Deserves It!’ Traders & Residents Protest Against 24hr Economy Market Relocation To Ekon.
Traders and residents of Abura in Cape Coast North Constituency, Central Region, have staged a demonstration against plans to site a proposed 24-hour economy market at Ekon, instead of Abura.
Abura is located in Cape Coast North, while Ekon is in Cape Coast South and all under the Cape Coast Metropolis.
The demonstrators described the decision as unfair, insisting that the Cape Coast-Abura New Sports Stadium land remains the most suitable location for the market.
They cited its vast land space, proximity to the highway, large population, and central position in the metropolis as key advantages.
The protesters, messages like “Abura Deserves the 24hr Market ” and “No to Unfair Relocation,” shouted voices of solidarity as they marched through Abura’s market streets.
Leading the protesters, Ahamed Amoo, a resident, said the action was jointly organized by residents and traders demanding what they describe as equitable development for Abura.
“We cannot allow our MCE to take the development of Abura for granted by relocating such an important project to Ekon,” he said.
“We are calling on Vice-President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Minister of Local Government and Member of Parliament for the Area Hon. Dr. Kwamena Mintah Nyarku to intervene because Abura also deserves its fair share of development.”
Madam Esi Hawa, Spokesperson for Abura Market, said situating the market at Abura would boost local trading activities and help decongest roadsides, where many traders currently operate.
They also argued that Abura has long been sidelined in terms of major infrastructure projects.
Appealing to MCE Hon. George Justice Arthur to reconsider and prioritize Abura for the project, they warned of further action if their demands are ignored.
Media, an further engaged with the MCE of Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly. Hon. George Justice Arthur,
He strongly rejected claims that he directed the siting of the 24-hour economy market in Ekon because it is his constituency.
He addressed the media at the new site at Ekon in response to protests by Abura residents and traders, who accused him of reneging on an earlier promise to locate the market on the Cape Coast-Abura New Sports Stadium land.
Mr. Arthur described the allegations as unfounded and urged calm.
The selection of the market site required government land of a specific size, proximity to a town center with good access to public transport and the highway.
“I did not choose the Ekon site on my own discretion; i followed instructions from the Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere,” the MCE stressed.
End.
