The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has promised to complete all abandoned market projects across Tamale, describing the neglected structures as a drain on public resources.
Addressing market executives during an inspection tour of the Aboabo Market and the Tamale Central Market on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the Minister explained that the working visit formed part of efforts to evaluate unfinished infrastructure left behind by previous administrations and formulate strategies for their completion.
He assured the traders that the central objective of the project is to expand existing facilities and accommodate more vendors, ruling out any form of forced relocation or eviction.
“We have no plans of sacking anybody. We are here to develop what you are already managing so that it can take more people,” he told market leaders.
Mr Ayariga pointed out that bringing the stalled structures to completion would allow traders to utilize both the ground and upper floors, significantly increasing available commercial space while boosting local revenue generation through market levies.
“If you had 500 people that you are collecting market levies from, we want to increase it to 2,000 people. So there are a lot more people paying market levies to you,” he said.
Allaying fears regarding the upcoming redevelopment works, the Minister guaranteed traders that key stakeholders and market executives would be fully involved in every stage of the execution process.
“You are going to be integral partners in the development of the market. So I don’t want you to have any fears about our intentions,” he said.
According to him, the inspection aligns directly with the commitment made by President John Dramani Mahama to finish all uncompleted development projects nationwide, including those left abandoned for decades.
“Because presidents make promises, we, his ministers, follow up and then we fulfil the promises,” he added.
The Ministry will continue collaborating with local leadership to establish an efficient roadmap for execution, ensuring the upgraded markets drive local economic growth and adequately serve the business community.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana