The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Effia-Kwesimintsim, Abdul Majeed Iddrisu Nassam, has attributed the peaceful relocation of traders from Jubilee Park in Takoradi to Apremado to direct engagement with market queens and other market leaders.
According to the MCE, he personally led discussions with the traders to explain the reasons behind the relocation, listen to their concerns and encourage cooperation with the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA).
Speaking on Morning Starr on Starr 103.5 FM on Monday, October 19, 2026, Mr Nassam said the engagement process helped the Assembly carry out the exercise without demonstrations.
He explained that meeting the market queens allowed him to communicate the Assembly’s plans directly while giving the traders an opportunity to express their views.
MCE says dialogue helped prevent demonstrations
Mr Nassam said he made a deliberate effort to engage market leaders personally rather than leave communication entirely to other officials.
He explained that the discussions involved outlining the reasons for the relocation and responding to concerns raised by the traders.
According to him, the approach helped build understanding and encouraged the market women to cooperate with the Assembly.
He maintained that direct communication was a major factor in ensuring that the relocation from Jubilee Park to Apremado proceeded peacefully.
The MCE also indicated that he intended to remain accessible to the traders as the Assembly continued its work in the municipality.
Why traders were moved from Jubilee Park
The relocation forms part of the Assembly’s efforts to move market and transport activities away from Jubilee Park and redirect them to designated facilities at Apremado.
In October 2025, the Assembly announced arrangements requiring transport operators and traders to leave Jubilee Park as part of plans to repurpose the area.
Transport operators were directed to move to the Apremdo Central Market lorry station, while market activities at Jubilee Park were scheduled to end under the Assembly’s directive.
The relocation was intended to help restore Jubilee Park to its designated purpose while encouraging the use of the market facilities at Apremado.
However, moving established traders and transport operators from a familiar trading location can present practical challenges, including concerns about customer access, sales and the availability of suitable trading spaces.
The Assembly’s engagement with market leaders was therefore an important part of communicating the reasons for the exercise.
Apremado Market and the future of trading in Takoradi
The Apremado Central Market, also known as Abenbebom, has long been discussed as a potential centre for commercial activity in the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipality.
The facility attracted renewed attention following the relocation of traders from Jubilee Park, which had hosted market activities for years.
In June 2026, traditional leaders and market queens performed rites to mark the traditional opening of the market, according to the Ghana News Agency.
The development highlighted the importance of the market to local traders and the surrounding community.
For the relocation to deliver lasting benefits, the market must provide traders with an environment that supports business activity, customer access and effective transport connections.
Continued communication between the Assembly and traders will also be important in identifying operational difficulties and addressing concerns as they arise.
MCE promises continued engagement
Mr Nassam said his decision to move to the Assembly’s new building, which is close to the traders, was partly informed by the need to maintain contact with them.
He believes that being nearby will make direct interaction easier and help sustain the relationship established during the relocation exercise.
His comments underline the role of stakeholder engagement in local government, particularly when municipal decisions directly affect livelihoods and commercial activities.
The success of the relocation will ultimately depend not only on the absence of demonstrations but also on whether traders can operate effectively at their new location.
For market women and other business operators in Takoradi, access to customers, suitable facilities and a stable trading environment will remain important considerations.
The Assembly’s challenge will be to ensure that the relocation achieves its planning objectives while supporting the people whose livelihoods depend on daily market activities.
Source: Starr FM
