The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) is currently undertaking a major market reorganization exercise aimed at decongesting the streets and restoring order in the city’s trading zones. This exercise has triggered responses from traders, particularly women operating at the Jubilee Grounds and the periphery of the newly reconstructed Takoradi Market Circle, many of whom recently visited the New Amanful Palace to seek intervention.
Initially perceived by some as a protest, the gathering at the palace has now been clarified as a direct response to the Assembly’s latest decongestion efforts. According to Sub-Metro Administrator Mr. Francis Armah, who appeared on Melody FM’s PM JAM program hosted by Haruna Babangida, the women were not protesting arbitrarily but were engaging in what he termed an “arbitration exercise”, a dialogue seeking clarification on how the Assembly’s actions would affect their livelihoods.
Mr. Armah elaborated that the STMA is in the process of removing traders who have set up stalls and goods along unauthorized areas, specifically, the pavements, streets, and perimeters of the Market Circle. He acknowledged that although some traders had initially been relocated to the new market and the Jubilee Grounds, many were either not given permanent stalls or were displaced due to overcrowding.
To manage this, the Assembly had earlier permitted a small number of women to operate on pavements adjacent to the demolished old market as a temporary measure. Unfortunately, this arrangement led to a broader misuse of space, with other traders also moving in and eventually occupying entire streets, creating traffic congestion and safety risks.
Recent data collected by the Assembly has revealed a concerning trend: several of the traders now selling on the streets possess allocated stalls within the new market facility but have chosen not to utilize them. This was confirmed both by Mr. Armah and the Market Queen at the New Market, sparking frustration among traders still seeking space.
To address the overflow, a new trading area has been demarcated near the Paa Grant Roundabout. Mr. Armah explained that this site is specifically for traders who have not yet been assigned stalls at the New Market or the Jubilee Grounds. He urged all eligible traders to register for a spot and announced that by Monday, allocations would be finalized and the formal reassignments would begin.
In a strong statement, Mr. Armah reiterated the Assembly’s intention to return Jubilee Grounds to its original use. “Jubilee Grounds will no longer function as a market or a pedestrian station,” he said. While no fixed date was provided, he assured that the transformation would happen soon. The message to traders was clear: those currently at Jubilee Grounds should prepare to move to the newly allocated space near the roundabout.
Haruna Babangida further explored concerns raised by commercial drivers who complain about limited parking spaces around the Market Circle. The drivers stated that areas designated for parking had been taken over by traders, forcing them to park illegally and risking penalties from city guards. Mr. Kennedy Victor Afikegbe, Head of the City Guards at the Sub-Metro Office, responded that most of the encroaching traders had already been moved, and the drivers knowingly park in restricted zones despite clear signage.
Another key issue raised during the radio interview was sanitation. Mr. Armah shared troubling details about improper waste disposal practices, including a recent incident where a mattress was found blocking a major drainage system, causing flooding during heavy rains. He also pointed out that both residents and traders sometimes sweep their spaces but dispose of the collected waste directly into gutters, further compounding sanitation issues.
To address this, Sekondi-Takoradi’s new Mayor, Lawyer Frederick Faidoo, has introduced a directive requiring every household to register with a waste management company. The mayor believes that a clean city begins with personal responsibility, and this policy is a step toward ensuring all residents and businesses maintain proper waste disposal practices.
Acknowledging past administrative lapses, Mr. Armah admitted that some STMA officers may have facilitated the unauthorized expansion of trading areas by granting informal permissions. However, he stressed that with the current administration’s renewed focus, stricter monitoring and enforcement would be put in place.
When Haruna asked if the current exercise would end up being another “nine-day wonder,” Mr. Armah replied confidently. “The new Mayor is committed to making Sekondi-Takoradi the cleanest city in Ghana. These are not temporary fixes but part of a long-term strategy,” he said, citing upcoming policies that will balance enforcement with a human-centered approach.
In closing, Mr. Armah appealed to all traders and associations to collaborate with the Assembly for a smooth transition. “We are ready to work with them, not against them,” he emphasized. Traders currently operating at Jubilee Grounds are encouraged to take up the new stalls at the Paa Grant Roundabout, while those within the new market should remain patient as the Assembly continues to reorganize and optimize space.
This developing situation sheds light on the challenges of urban planning and market integration in rapidly growing cities like Sekondi-Takoradi. As local authorities attempt to strike a balance between economic activity, public order, and sanitation, meaningful dialogue and transparent engagement with affected communities remain key to achieving lasting change.