LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER INSPECTS TAKORADI MARKET CIRCLE PROJECT

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, paid a one-day working visit to Sekondi-Takoradi to inspect the ongoing redevelopment of the Takoradi Market Circle, which has been stalled since 2023.

During the visit, the Minister toured the project site and was taken around by the project consultant and representatives of the contractor, who briefed him on the current state of work and the challenges affecting the completion of the project.

The Minister reaffirmed the Government's commitment to completing the project, indicating that a new funding arrangement is being pursued to settle the outstanding €18 million owed to the contractor. According to him, the proposed funding mechanism is expected to facilitate the contractor’s return to site within the next two months.

He further disclosed that commercial banks would be engaged to support traders in paying their re-entry fees to enable a smooth occupation of the facility upon completion.

Expressing optimism about the new funding arrangement, the Minister said the Government expects construction works to resume shortly and the project to be completed within one year after the contractor returns to site.

The redevelopment of the Takoradi Market Circle was initiated in 2020 under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration to replace the old market structure, which was constructed in the 1920s. However, construction works were suspended in early 2023 following the Government's debt restructuring programme, leaving the project unfinished.

As part of his visit to the metropolis, the Minister also inspected the Assembly’s landfill site at Sofokrom to familiarize himself with the operations of the facility. He interacted with officials responsible for the management of the site and received briefings on operational challenges and future plans. The Minister assured the Assembly of the Ministry’s full commitment to improving the management of the landfill site to enhance environmental sanitation and sustainable waste management in the metropolis.