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Traders who recently occupied the new Redco market at Madina behind Oman FM have threatened to join their colleagues on the streets if authorities of the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly do not enforce the decision taken by various stakeholders to sanitize the streets of Zongo junction before Christmas.

Speaking to a visibly distraught trader at the new market, Madam Akua (a fruit seller) praised the MCE, Hon. Dede for her foresight and vision but feared it will be short lived if she does not insist on doing the needful.

She described the uncertainties and fears encountered each day by traders due to the speeding vehicles on the highway.

“Hawking along the highway of Zongo junction is very dangerous. One cannot be assured of going back home safely but the thing is we must survive. We have children and families to take care of. We were therefore excited when Hon. Dede found a place for us and promised the Nana Addo government will put up an ultra-modern market facility which befits the city,” madam Akua added.

Although many traders are happy, they have expressed discontent with the Municipal Assembly over traders who have refused to move from the shoulders of the highway.

“We are going back to sell on the streets if they do not act fast. Christmas is approaching and we need to make sales and feed our families. Our profit margins have dropped because some city guards of the assembly allow their favorites to continue to sell on the streets. The market will boom if all of us move to the new market because it is very big,” a trader continued.

Information gathered indicates there are some individuals within the Madina Constituency who are fighting the MCE and government’s vision to make the municipality clean and safe.

Notable people within the two main political parties continue to conspire to sabotage efforts of the Assembly. Nevertheless, the President has kept faith with his young female appointee as she continues to distinguish herself.

Speaking to Hon. Jennifer Dede Afagbedzi, she acknowledged the concerns of the traders who have agreed to move to the new market but assured them of the Assembly’s commitment to make the new site the biggest market hub in the country.

“I understand it is lucrative to sell along the shoulders of the streets for some people as they make not less than 200 cedis within 12 hours but the hazards are very dire to the traders themselves and the general public. I do not need to remind you of the recent accident at Ashaiman where a truck load of goods ran through people.

“The victims of that accident were both buyers and sellers so it is important we find a safer place for our people. The major cause of filth on our highways is as a result of street hawking and trading. We definitely cannot achieve the President, Nana Addo’s vison of making Accra the cleanest city in Africa with this attitude. For these reasons the Assembly has located a land space of about 20 acres with over 5000 spacesclose to Oman Fm /Redco flats Madina, for our mothers, brothers and sisters to re-locate.

“Boreholes, washrooms and lightning have been provided at a cost to the assembly. The traders are just to move there free of charge and ply their business. It therefore baffles me why anybody will be against such an exercise. Well, I am aware of some elements within but it is well. That is leadership; the wolf shall dwell with lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them, so sayeth the Lord”.

On 27th October, 2018, the new Redco Market, affectionately called ‘Bohy3 Asaase’ by traders  was officially opened for trading by the Deputy Greater Accra Regional Minister Hon. Elizabeth Sackey, Chiefs, Assembly members, clergy and some party executives.

The Minister wished the traders great sales and encouraged the MCE, Hon. Dede to continue with the good works.