Salaga Market to be reconstructed

Page 29, Dec 1, 2009
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah

THE Salaga Market, which was closed down about 11 years ago, is to be reconstructed next year under a joint venture between the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and a private investor.
The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh, who announced this in Parliament, added that the assembly was assessing the current status of the structure in order to come out with a comprehensive plan towards rebuilding the market.
The market was closed down about 11 years ago, when it was realised that the old structure, which was built about 80 years ago, was in a deplorable state and there was a need to refurbish it.
The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh, told Parliament that there had been plans to refurbish the market some years ago, but that did not materialise due to a lack of funds.
He was answering a question posed by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Odododiodioo, Mr Jonathan Nii Tackie-Komme, who complained that closure of the market 11 years ago had forced the market women to trade on the periphery of the road.
Mr Chireh further explained that in 2006, the assembly contracted Messrs Kpodo Tay and Associates to prepare a proposal for the maximisation of the land as a modern market.
He said that proposal was submitted to the Government for funding when the idea was mooted to build jubilee markets within each of the 10 regional capitals during the Ghana @ 50 celebration.
Mr Chireh said the Mallam Atta Market was, however, considered by the Government and that was approved instead of the Salaga Market.