The Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), Nana Kwabena Peprah, has voiced support for the government’s 24-hour market initiative, calling it a sound policy capable of boosting trading activity if implemented effectively.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he noted that GUTA backs the vision under the assumption that thorough research and planning informed its development.
Despite this endorsement, Peprah highlighted a growing apprehension among vendor communities: the fear of permanent displacement during construction and relocation.
To secure full trader buy-in and protect livelihoods, he urged the government to issue firm guarantees that all affected vendors will regain their original market spaces upon completion of the project.
“The policy is laudable because we believe it would benefit trading activities. However, we must ensure that the initiative does not disrupt trading activities, create problems for traders, and make them lose money. These are the issues, and from what is happening at the moment, we think the approach towards the initiative has not been the best. The 24-Hour Economy markets should increase value. The number of traders in our markets should increase after the markets are completed. Those already in the markets should be the first priority to get access before anyone else is considered.
It would also be a challenge should the old traders in the markets be deprived of their spaces. If the traders feel they will not be secured, then it is problematic. We therefore encourage the government to engage GUTA on this initiative so that the implementation would be effective,” he added.
Reiterating that GUTA stands alongside the project rather than against it, Peprah emphasized that proper engagement remains crucial to ensuring the policy delivers a meaningful, positive impact across the commercial sector.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana